Our Mission
At The Patent Oath, our mission is to make intellectual property protection more accessible for underrepresented creators. We’re building a platform that uses AI tools and community support to guide everyday inventors through the patent process without needing a legal background.
We believe every idea deserves the opportunity to be protected and recognized.
*The Patent Oath is currently in prototype stage. We're inviting early users to preview the demo, share feedback, and help us build a more equitable innovation ecosystem.
Our Name & History
Until the Civil War, Black inventors were legally barred from taking the Inventor’s Oath. A requirement to file a U.S. patent because they were not recognized as legal persons under the law. Enslaved people were considered property, and even free Black individuals were denied citizenship under rulings like Dred Scott v. Sandford. That meant they couldn’t claim ownership of their inventions, sue for theft, or receive credit for their ideas.
Our name, The Patent Oath, reclaims that history. We are building a future where every creator, especially those historically excluded, can take the oath. Protect what they build, and be rightfully recognized for their contributions to innovation.