One Invention per Patent Application—Here’s Why

Founders love efficiency. That’s why “kitchen-sink” applications (i.e., one giant filing that tries to cover everything) can be tempting. But they usually backfire. Claims, not prose, define protection. If you claim only Invention A, everything you disclosed about B and C is now public and potentially hard to protect later. You’ve taught the world how to do it without reserving rights.

There’s also procedure. If your claims span more than one invention, the USPTO will issue a Restriction Requirement: pick one group of claims now, pursue the rest later via divisional applications. Translation: you didn’t avoid multiple filings; you delayed them, often with added cost, delay, and administrative overhead. If you already know you have multiple inventions, it’s usually cleaner and cheaper over the life of the portfolio to file them separately from the start.

This does not mean you should file narrow. Multiple embodiments (alternatives) of the same invention are not only allowed—they’re smart. If your core idea is a tenant-aware caching method, describe different data structures, environments, and UI flows that implement that method. Those variations strengthen enablement and give you room for broader, better claims, all within one application, because they’re still one inventive concept.

Quick test: split or keep together?

• Can you express the core invention in one crisp problem-solution sentence? If yes, you likely have one invention.

• Are the “variations” just ways to implement that same solution? Keep together as embodiments.

• Would any component have standalone commercial/licensing value? Split it.

• Would different examiner art units likely handle the claims? Expect restriction → split.

Keeping filings focused pays real dividends. Prosecution stays on a single story rather than detouring into elections and claim reshuffles. Timelines move faster. Budgets stay under your control: file the must-have invention now; stage the next one with product milestones or funding.

Why this approach pays off

• No value leakage: You don’t disclose unclaimed inventions that competitors can use.

• Cleaner, faster prosecution: One inventive concept → fewer procedural detours.

• Stronger assets: Focused, enforceable claims map cleanly to product lines and deals.

• Predictable costs: You decide when to add applications instead of reacting to restrictions.

A final word on cost myths: one big filing can look cheaper this month, but after restrictions, divisionals, and lost time, the “savings” evaporate and the risk of unprotected disclosures is very real.

Practical rhythm: For each core invention, file one robust application that fully teaches it and captures rich alternatives. For another core invention, file a separate application—parallel or staged to your roadmap. That’s how you build a portfolio that’s enforceable, financeable, and aligned with how startups actually grow.

Idea Clerk helps you do exactly this. Complete, law-firm-grade applications for each invention, with solid embodiment coverage inside each filing, so you protect what matters now and stage the rest when it makes business sense.