The idea value calculator (IVC) allows the value of an idea to be estimated. The method of calculation is based on the assumption that the value of an idea is equal to the sum of all royalties that would be collected on an equivalent valid patent based on this idea. It is assumed that the patent will not be invalid during its life. If there is a need to estimate an idea's value under the assumption that the equivalent patent would be invalid after t years, a user needs to decrease the term (on t years) to find the value of the idea in this case.