Every engineer is driven by curiosity, solving problems, and building cool things.
But if you’ve ever tried to get an engineer excited about filing a patent, chances are you’ve met the classic shrug.
And invention disclosures or patents? That’s for the legal team. Right?
Why do engineers, some of the most innovative minds in your organization, stay disconnected from the patent process?
Let’s unpack what’s behind the resistance. More importantly, flip the script and get your engineering team involved and interested in protecting the IP they help create.
Explain Patents in a Language Engineers Get
Many engineers avoid patents simply because they don’t understand how it works or why it matters to them.
They are more focused on solving problems than filling out forms.
Skip the legalese. Instead, show how patents:
- Protect their hard-earned innovations from being copied
- Give them public recognition as named inventors (hello, résumé boost!)
- Contribute to career growth, especially in R&D-heavy industries
- Sometimes even lead to bonuses or royalties, depending on your company’s policies
Where do you start though?
How about hosting a quick, casual 30-minute “Intro to Patents” session. Keep it light and relatable.
Use real examples from your own team—especially one where an engineer’s idea was turned into a patent.
Even better? Invite that engineer to share how it happened and what it meant to them.
Peer stories > PowerPoint slides.
Make It Easy to Disclose Ideas
If engineers have to dig through clunky forms, download PDFs, or email someone just to disclose an idea, it’s simply not happening.
Innovation can happen during a coffee break or in code at 2 a.m. If capturing those ideas isn’t seamless, they’ll be forgotten before they’re even shared.
You want them to capture ideas when inspiration strikes.
So what do you do?
Invest in a centralized, engineer-friendly invention disclosure platform that:
- Has a clean, intuitive interface (ideally integrated with tools they already use)
- Offers real-time visibility into the status of their submission
- Includes automated prior art checks to validate the idea early on
Best innovation management solutions or specialized invention disclosure software are designed to reduce friction in the early phases of IP.
If it starts well, it ends well.
And tools like IP Assist offer distinct features like AI-powered brainstorming, patentability searches, and streamlined disclosures that engineers can use with minimal friction.
Connect Patents to a Bigger Purpose
Engineers thrive on building solutions that matter.
So if patents feel like just more red tape, they’ll tune out fast.
But when you tie IP to impact, solving real-world problems, driving company growth, or protecting innovation, they start to see the bigger picture.
Help them realize that patents aren’t just paperwork, they’re part of their tech legacy.
Highlight real examples that show how patents support your company’s mission. For example:
- “This patent helped us win a contract with a big conglomerate.”
- “Our IP stopped a competitor from launching a knockoff product.”
- “That disclosure became the foundation of our flagship technology.”
When engineers see that patents are tools for progress—not just protection—they’re far more likely to engage.
Recognize and Reward Inventors
Recognition goes a long way.
If engineers take the time to disclose an idea, but never hear what happened with it, it sends the message that their contribution didn’t matter.
Make sure that every inventor knows their work is valued.
Launch a transparent and visible, ongoing Inventor Recognition Program that makes innovation feel celebrated, not buried. Try:
- Shoutouts during all-hands meetings or team standups
- Custom gestures, think inventor mugs, plaques, or badges of honor
- Features in internal newsletters or Slack channels when patents are filed or granted
- Financial bonuses for key patent milestones like filing, grant, or commercialization
- Use your innovation management platform to automate recognition, track contributions, and surface milestones, so no inventor gets overlooked
Even small, consistent gestures can spark pride, drive engagement, and fuel a culture where engineers want to innovate, and be seen doing it.
Gamify Innovation
Every innovator loves a good challenge. Naturally, so do engineers. And anyway a bit of friendly competition never hurts.
Yes, engineers love a good challenge.
Host patent-a-thons or targeted Innovation Challenges built around real engineering problems, like:
- “How might we reduce latency by 80%?”
- “Reimagine the checkout experience using edge computing.”
- “What’s the next moonshot idea for our core product?”
Offer prizes, patent support, and visibility to winners.
Recognition alone can go a long way—but when combined with the chance to get a patent or drive a major product shift?
Suddenly, engineers have five ideas they can’t wait to share.
And if you’re using an innovation platform, make challenge participation and idea tracking simple, so the focus stays on ideation, not admin.
Break the Myth: Patents Are Just for Big, Breakthrough Ideas
Many engineers think, “This is just a small optimization—it’s not patent-worthy.”
Time to bust that myth.
Some of the most valuable patents come from everyday problem-solving, not moonshot inventions.
Things like a clever script that automates a manual process or a new way to handle data flow behind the scenes can be patent gold.
Your actionable tip: Train your teams to spot innovation in their daily work. Help them understand that patentable ideas often show up in:
- Process improvements that boost efficiency
- Unique backend system architectures
- Smart UX flows or interaction methods
- Automation tools or internal utilities
When engineers learn to recognize the hidden value in their work, they’ll start viewing patents not as rare events, but as a natural part of engineering.
Final Thoughts
Getting engineers to care about patents doesn’t have to be a challenge.
By making the process clear, relevant, and rewarding, you can transform the way your engineering team views intellectual property.
Patents can become more than just paperwork, they’re tools for innovation, recognition, and even career growth.
Remember, the key is to engage engineers in a way that speaks to their drive to create, solve problems, and leave a lasting impact.
Whether it’s through accessible platforms, peer stories, or celebrating their contributions, fostering a culture of innovation and patenting can drive your team and your company forward.
If you’re ready to make the process smoother and impactful, consider exploring tools designed to simplify idea capture and invention management.
Let’s work together to unlock the full potential of your team’s innovations.
