Tech Leader Talk

This is another solo episode of the Tech Leader Talk podcast.
Today's episode continues the discussion of the 7-Step system I created that's helped many tech companies build robust patent strategies.  I will be discussing the fifth step in that system, which helps you protect your highest priority inventions to build a valuable patent portfolio.
In previous episodes of the podcast, I've discussed the first four steps.  Today, I'm discussing step 5 which is: Protecting your highest priority inventions that will add valuable assets to your patent portfolio. This step follows from the previous discussion of step 4 which talks about defining invention evaluation criteria that's used to evaluate your team's inventions.  If you want to listen to the step 4 episode, it was published on:  May 28, 2026.  Link to that episode:  https://www.podpage.com/tech-leader-talk-1/creating-invention-evaluation-criteria-for-a-robust-patent-strategy-steve-sponseller/
You want to patent the most valuable inventions that your team creates, so you continually build a strong patent portfolio filled with high-value patent assets.
Unfortunately, many patents have minimal value for a variety of reasons, such as being easy for a competitor to design around.  Applying your company's evaluation criteria to each invention allows you to prioritize those inventions and select the highest value inventions for patent protection.
When prioritizing your inventions, it's important to protect your core technology that provides a competitive advantage.  You should also prioritize must-have features that make your product stand out in the marketplace.  If you patent a must-have feature, you may have the ability to exclude competitors from offering that feature.  Other high-priority inventions are those that are likely to have high value in the future based on today's technology trends.
Be sure to apply your evaluation criteria to each invention then select the highest priority inventions to file patent applications that will create patent assets for your patent portfolio.  Make this process of invention evaluation and patent protection part of your regular business activities.
I will be talking about the remaining 2 steps to building your robust patent strategy in future episodes. 
Questions?
If you have any questions about building a robust patent strategy for your company, contact me to schedule a complimentary call.
Contact me via email: Steve@SteveSponseller.com
Thanks for listening!
Be sure to get your free copy of my latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover my proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

Did you know that the SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program can help your small business grow by solving particular problems defined by public sector organizations?
On this episode, I am talking with Tracy Gregorio.  Tracy is the CEO of G2 Ops, which is an IT engineering and cybersecurity company serving the US Navy, the government, and commercial enterprises.  She has a wide range of experience with both the military and the private sector.
Tracy shares how her variety of experience helps her as a company leader today.  She also provides tips on how small businesses can be successful working with large government agencies.
During our discussion, Tracy explains the SBIR program and describes the three different phases of the program.  The SBIR program is intended to stimulate technological innovation in small businesses.
Tracy also talks about how she and the team at G2 Ops has created and sustained a culture of innovation and creativity.
I'm sure you will get some great ideas from Tracy that you can incorporate into your own business.
"Our private sector experience dealing with revenue, ROI, and delivering value gives our company an advantage when working with government agencies." – Tracy Gregorio
Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:
- How to take advantage of the SBIR program
- Tips for small businesses working with large government agencies
- Creating a culture of innovation in your company
- Tips for small businesses to scale quickly and handle big projects
- Cultivating strong relationships with other businesses
Connect with Tracy Gregorio:
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracygregorio/
Website:  https://g2-ops.com/
Thanks for listening!
Be sure to get your free copy of Steve's latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover his proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

How can your tech startup attract investors?
On this episode of the podcast, I am talking with Mark Sherman.
Mark is a Managing Partner of Titanium Ventures, which is a venture capital firm in San Francisco, CA with a strong track record.  As we talk about on this episode, Titanium Ventures uses data science and quantitative analysis when analyzing investment opportunities.
Mark talks about what he and his partners look for in a technology startup.  One thing they like to see is a passion for the business.  Mark shares other key factors during our discussion.
He also talks about how companies can make their pitch stand out to investors and make a good impression.
I know you will enjoy this conversation with Mark and leave with some insights on how to position your company to improve the chances of getting funding.
"We typically invest in Series A and Series B companies. Our goal is to help companies grow to $100M in revenue and beyond." – Mark Sherman
Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:
- Using data analysis when evaluating tech startups for investment
- How can a pitch grab an investor's attention
- Factors considered before investing in a technology startup
 
Connect with Mark Sherman:
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/markheyssherman/
Website:  https://telstraventures.com/
Thanks for listening!
Be sure to get your free copy of Steve's latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover his proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

Are you effectively leveraging your innovation and automation to improve efficiency?
On this episode of the podcast, I am talking with Andrew Cohen.
Andrew is the Managing Director of Netsurit and the Managing Partner of EVOKE.  These companies partner with clients to build modern workplace solutions that address organizational and technological challenges.
During our discussion, Andrew explains how he and his team help companies stay competitive through innovation and automation.  He talks about the relationship between innovation and automation.
During our conversation, Andrew talks about "Innovate as a Service" – a new term for me.  I encourage you to listen as Andrew explains how Netsurit uses "Innovate as a Service" with its clients.  It may give you some new ideas for your own business.
I'm sure you will enjoy this conversation with Andrew and get some insights on using innovation and automation to strengthen your company's competitive advantage.
"Look at your current business activities, identify any inefficiencies, and leverage your existing technology to be more efficient." – Andrew Cohen
Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:
- Staying competitive through innovation and automation
- Providing innovation as an ongoing service
- Implementing Innovate as a Service
- User adoption as part of the innovation and automation process
- Fostering an innovative spirit in your organization
Connect with Andrew Cohen:
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-cohen-91945a4/
Website:  https://netsurit.com/en-us/
Thanks for listening!
Be sure to get your free copy of Steve's latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover his proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

Do you want to hear the story behind a space technology innovation that performs x-ray satellite inspection in space?  Keep listening because that's what I'll be discussing today with my guest, Lee Rosen.
Lee is a co-founder of Think Orbital with an interesting background spanning military service in the Air Force and working at SpaceX.  His fascination with aviation began in his high school rocketry club and has continued through his work at Think Orbital.
Lee discusses how the team at Think Orbital discovered that electron beam technology could generate x-rays.  This discovery led to their innovative system that can x-ray satellites to determine if weapons or other dangerous objects are hidden inside a satellite.
On this episode, Lee shares his motivation for co-founding Think Orbital and talks about the current projects the company is developing.
Lee talks about how true innovation often comes from accidental discoveries while solving real problems.  He also shares his belief that success in tech isn't just about physics – it's about questioning every human-made constraint.  If it's not a law of nature, it's open to challenge and innovation.
I'm confident that this conversation with Lee Rosen will give you some valuable information that you can apply in your own business.
Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:
- True innovation from accidental discoveries
- Rigorous testing techniques
- Cross-disciplinary experimentation
- Enabling large-scale construction in space
- Why you should question every human-made constraint
Connect with Lee Rosen:
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leewrosen/
Website:  https://thinkorbital.com/
Thanks for listening!
Be sure to get your free copy of Steve's book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover his proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.