Abandonment can refer to either the abandonment of a patent application or the abandonment of an invention. These are completely distinct concepts with different implications. For example, an inventor can abandon a patent application but not abandon the invention. Let’s explore each concept, and when and why abandonment might occur. Abandonment of a Patent Application What … [Read more...]
How to Expressly Abandon a Patent Application to Avoid Publication?
A patent application can be expressly abandoned to avoid publication of the information in the patent application as a pre-grant publication. The purpose of doing so is to keep the information contained in the patent application as a trade secret and not dedicate the invention to the public. Don't confuse abandonment of the patent application with abandonment of the invention. … [Read more...]