When your business files a patent application, there may be several parties involved: the inventors, their manager, the company itself, the owners of the company, a patent attorney, the Patent Office, etc. But who actually owns the patent? Is there … Read More
Your company is planning to file a patent application. That’s a great idea! At some point in the process, your patent attorney will ask you who to list as the inventor or inventors on the official paperwork. So, how should … Read More
As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day here in the United States next month, I wanted to chat about international protection of your US company’s IP. For the most part, all intellectual property rights stop at the border of … Read More
After a brief back-and-forth regarding her favorite sportsball team, Emily got down to business. “I reviewed the application, Dave, and it looks great. I was just wondering why you didn’t include the retainer clips in the claims. We really … Read More
Happy International Day of Light! This UNESCO initiative celebrates the role of light “in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy.” The International Day of Light is held on … Read More
I wonder if I’ll ever need to wear a tie again, I thought, as I walked through the exhibit floor. After all, I’m a casual, west coast kind of guy. Seriously, who invented ties anyway . . . Wait. I … Read More
You might have heard that a prior art search is required before you file your patent application. Some kind of search to find prior art that could get in the way of your patent application. Should be simple enough. Or … Read More
“Congratulations Nick,” I said, “Your application was allowed by the Patent Office!” Nick was happy to hear this news, and glad to know his company would be getting their first patent. I went on: “I’ll send you an official report, … Read More
You’re minding your own business, just going through your company mail. There in the pile, you find what appears to be a cease and desist letter from some law firm you’ve never heard of. What the . . . ? … Read More
Design patents have been in the news lately, due to some high-profile lawsuits. So what’s the deal? People normally think of utility patents when the topic of patents comes up. (You know, like at cool parties.) Your company may have … Read More