Wes Austin: Why Filing a Patent Is Way More Expensive Than You Think | DSH #1739

Jan 7, 2026

Wesley Austin, a patent lawyer turned stand-up comedian, dives into quirky intersections of patent law and comedy. He reveals the shocking costs of patents that can exceed $30K and discusses the mental toll of anxiety and lawsuits. The conversation shifts to UFOs and Bigfoot sightings, examining why mass reports captivate the public. AI's quiet takeover of white-collar jobs is also explored, along with the idea that more money leads to diminishing returns in happiness. Humor and honesty abound as Wesley shares his unique journey.

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ANECDOTE

Big Video Stunt To Overcome Stage Fear

Wesley created an expensive web series, The IP Section, to force himself into comedy after years of fear about open mics.
The stunt jump-started his stage work even though he later realized he should've started with open mics.

ANECDOTE

A Joke That Bombed For Years

Wesley bombed for years and shelved a junior-high 'jock check' joke for three years after it made audiences uncomfortable.
He later revived the bit and sometimes got laughs, showing resilience and iterative refinement.

INSIGHT

Secrecy Orders Can Hide Sensitive Patents

The government can impose secrecy orders on patent filings to suppress sensitive technology, making some government-related patents invisible.
If a UFO-style patent remains public but is sparse, it may be deliberate or merely a weak filing.

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