Large companies may be giants in the patent space, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for everyone when it comes to government fee amounts at the US Patent Office. Small organizations could get in while paying less, but why stop at small when you can go smaller?...
The U.S. and Mexico announced plans to bolster a shared patent process called the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) that aims to speed up secondary patent approvals, where patent protection is desired in both countries. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and...
Patents offer you safeguards for your invention, but a U.S. patent only protects you from sea to shining sea, and not beyond. You do have options if you’re looking to cross international waters – if you can navigate the process. The U.S. once again filed more...
When you have a well-developed idea for an invention, acquiring a patent can be a good idea. Obtaining a patent will give you the right to take legal action against anyone who infringes on your patented invention. Your patent application could be weakened or lost if...
So, you have an invention you've been thinking about. One that could improve your business? An idea so revolutionary that it could turn an industry upside-down? The next great app? Well, as you can assume, you're not alone. One caveat is that commercializing your...
After several years of litigation over patents and other matters, Apple and Qualcomm recently announced a settlement. The two communications giants agreed to end a series of international lawsuits. The case illustrates how important patent protection can be,...
Every startup will come up with a variety of plans. These likely include, among others, a marketing strategy, a business plan and an exit strategy. In addition to these plans, tech startups should also consider developing an intellectual property (IP) strategy. IP is...
You have invested considerable time, energy and resources into a new idea or invention. Whether you created a new product that can benefit consumers, or one that is oriented more to businesses, you likely believe that your invention could be incredibly useful to...
The Girl Scouts are not happy. After the Boy Scouts of America decided in 2017 to allow girls in their ranks, they rebranded themselves with new trademarks: "Scouts", "Scouting" and "Scouts BSA". The Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA) were not amused....
Before you file a full 'utility' application for a patent, you may first file a provisional application. What are provisional applications and how could you benefit from one? What is a provisional patent application (PPA)? This type of application, sometimes...