Are you an inventor who has come up with a unique idea that you want to protect? If so, it's essential to understand how to protect your invention broadly to prevent others from designing around your patent. The patent process can be complex. At any step along the way, you could make a mistake that would cause you to lose or jeopardize your patent protection. However, with the … [Read more...]
Patent application process
The patent application process includes three main time frames: 1) before filing patent application, 2) after filing a patent application and 3) after patent grant. Browse related articles below.
What is a patent assignment?
Patent assignments are common during the patent process. They allow startups to own the ideas, solutions, and work products of the independent contractors that they hire. They also allow companies to own the inventions or solutions that their engineers create. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about patent assignments, from their definition and purpose … [Read more...]
Third Party Preissuance Submission: Everything you need to know
Have you ever seen one of your competitors advertise their product as patent pending but know their product can't be patented. You know that their idea is old. Or, you're the one who invented it. You can do something about it. You can file a Third Party Pre-Issuance Submission to prevent them from obtaining a patent. You give the examiner the proof that they need to reject … [Read more...]
What is an assignee search?
An assignee search is a patent database search for all patent documents (i.e., patents and pre-grant publications) owned by a particular entity. The patent databases that are searched are typically the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the European Patent Office (EPO), and the patent databases of specific countries. What is an assignee and assignor? An … [Read more...]
Guide to Identifying Patent Infringement Red Flags
Patent infringement is a serious issue that every business needs to know. It could cost you significant money if you address patent infringement after you launch your product. However, often, a little preplanning before you launch your product can save you time and money in the long run. Copying someone else's product is a red flag for patent infringement issues You must do … [Read more...]
Understanding Patent Term Adjustments (PTA)
A patent gives inventors a right to exclude others from selling a competing product for 20 years. The 20-year period is known as the patent term. If the patent term can be extended, it would be a crucial factor in determining the profitability of the invention over the life of the patent. There are certain circumstances that can increase the length of the patent term and this … [Read more...]
What is a double patenting rejection?
A Double Patenting Rejection is a common issue faced by inventors who try to obtain two or more patents for the same or similar invention. Why someone would want more than two patents for the same invention? Isn't that redundant and a waste of money? What is the purpose and problem of obtaining two or more patents on an invention? Obtaining two patents on an invention isn't … [Read more...]
Should you conduct a patent search?
Conducting a patent search is a great idea before applying for a patent. A patent search can help you: determine if your invention is novel and nonobvious (i.e., patentability) which are requirements for obtaining a patent, write a better patent application, and avoid infringing on existing patents. What is a patent search? A patent search is a search of the … [Read more...]