Invention Disclosure Scoring Checklist

Not legal advice. Internal QA tool before counsel handoff.

How to Use

  • Score each category 0–2 (0 = missing, 1 = partial, 2 = complete/clear).
  • Target total ≥ 14/20 before sending to counsel.

Categories

  1. Problem & Prior Art (0–2)
  • 0: vague problem, no references
  • 1: problem stated, 1–2 prior art items
  • 2: measurable baseline and ≥3 closest approaches with gaps
  1. Core Idea & Advantages (0–2)
  • 0: generic improvement claims
  • 1: claims with limited quantification
  • 2: specific novelty with quantified advantages
  1. Enablement – Embodiment (0–2)
  • 0: no complete path to practice
  • 1: partial steps missing parameters
  • 2: complete inputs→steps→outputs with acceptance criteria
  1. Parameters & Conditions (0–2)
  • 0: adjectives only
  • 1: some numbers without ranges/units
  • 2: ranges with units, environment, dependencies/versions
  1. Variants & Trade‑offs (0–2)
  • 0: no alternatives
  • 1: one alternative, no trade‑offs
  • 2: ≥2 alternatives with pros/cons
  1. Figures & Referencing (0–2)
  • 0: no figures
  • 1: figures present but unlabeled/unreferenced
  • 2: labeled figures referenced consistently in text
  1. Data/Validation (0–2)
  • 0: none
  • 1: anecdotal or incomplete
  • 2: benchmarks/tests with methods and acceptance thresholds
  1. Clarity & Terminology (0–2)
  • 0: inconsistent terms, acronyms unexplained
  • 1: mostly clear
  • 2: consistent terms, glossary if needed
  1. Attachments & Versions (0–2)
  • 0: none
  • 1: partial list, unversioned
  • 2: complete list with versions/links
  1. Review Readiness (0–2)
  • 0: no internal review
  • 1: peer review only
  • 2: peer + IP review complete

Interpreting the Score

  • 0–9: Major gaps—do not send to counsel.
  • 10–13: Needs iteration—address low‑scoring categories.
  • 14–17: Ready for counsel with minor clarifications.
  • 18–20: Strong package—likely smooth drafting.

Next Steps