Can a competitor make small changes to my invention and avoid my patent?
It depends. The value of a patent depends on how "broad" the coverage is, as defined by the patent's claims (see our "how to read patent claims" page). If the invention claimed in a patent represents only a small advance over what went before it, the range of products the patent may cover is also small. On the other hand, if your invention is wholly new, then the range of equivalents is equally large. Most inventions fall somewhere between these extremes.
The determination of the breadth of a potential patent is a matter of analyzing the extent of the "prior art" and the range of things which might be covered under the patent. You should consult a patent professional for advice on the breadth of your invention.
