Paying for software development does not automatically settle who owns the copyright. That is an expensive detail to discover during a funding round.

For SaaS founders and teams building APIs or integrations, a practical IP plan starts with three questions: What technical invention might qualify for patent protection? Is the product name clear to use? Does the company own its original code and documentation?

Miller IP breaks down those decisions, including outside code licenses and why public release dates matter.

Start with your development agreements, product roadmap, and planned launch dates.

More details:

A software patent application needs more than a description of what customers can do with your product.

Before filing, explain the technical problem, how the software addresses it, and which implementation details produce the improvement. Those details should guide the description, drawings, and claims.

Miller IP explains how founders can prepare for Section 101 during initial drafting, document meaningful alternatives, and coordinate patent preparation with brand protection and code ownership.

The same attention to substantive disclosure matters when the first filing is a provisional application.

Companion article: https://lawwithmiller.com/blogs/milleriplaw/software-patent-application-preparation

You built the platform. You hired the developers. But does your company own the code, and which technical innovations could deserve patent protection?

Patent and trademark attorney Devin Miller explores Miller IP Law’s approach to intellectual property for software integration, API, SaaS, and PaaS businesses.

Learn how to evaluate technical improvements, protect your platform’s brand, address contractor ownership, and spot licensing issues before they complicate growth.