What happens when a great idea moves from the laboratory to the marketplace—and what does it take to protect that idea along the way?
On this episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, hosts Tom Plumb of Wisconsin Capital Management and Aaron Carreno sit down with Beth Epstein, founder of Epstein Patent Agency, for a fascinating conversation about science, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the decisions that can turn an idea into a real-world opportunity.
Beth shares her journey from spending nearly a decade working in molecular biology and biochemistry laboratories to building a career in patent practice and ultimately launching her own agency. Her story is one of recognizing an opportunity, taking a calculated leap, and building a business around her expertise.
Aaron and Tom explore what that entrepreneurial transition really looks like, from the uncertainty of starting a company to the importance of collaboration, relationships, and knowing when to seek professional guidance.
The conversation also takes listeners inside the patent process. Beth explains common mistakes inventors make, why timing matters when disclosing an invention, how patents compare with trade secrets, and how entrepreneurs should think about the cost of protecting intellectual property versus the potential value of the innovation.
The discussion takes on an especially timely dimension as Beth and the hosts explore AI and intellectual property, including why innovators need to be thoughtful about what confidential information they enter into AI tools.
At its heart, this episode is about more than patents. It is about taking an idea, understanding its potential, managing the risks, and having the courage to turn expertise into something of your own.
In this episode, you'll hear about:
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Show Notes