Provisional patent applications are often used to establish an earlier priority date until the inventor is ready and able to invest in a non-provision...
Limits of patent protection
It is important to understand the limits of patent protection. For example, an inventor must be in possession of the invention at the time of the pate...
Importance of timely response in trademark litigation
If you find yourself on the receiving end of trademark cancellation proceedings, it is important to know what response is expected in each step of the...
New free patent search tool
We always encourage our clients to do their homework before making any large investments, whether it is a business purchase, trademark application, or...
How does the new Fast Track option compare to the Accelerated Examination procedure for patent applications?
In 2006, the USPTO introduced the accelerated examination process. If an application conducted a pre-filing search and submitted an examination suppor...
Trademark Cancellation Proceedings
There are two ways to oppose the registration of a trademark: opposition proceedings and cancellation proceedings. If the mark is still undergoing pro...
Implications of the new patent bill (America Invents Act)
On September 8, 2011, the Senate passed the Leahy-Smith America Invents acts (AIA), which was signed by President Obama on September 16, 2011. The AIA...
USPTO Response Times for RCEs
After a patent application is filed, the Patent Office assigns an Examiner to review the merits of the invention and determine if a patent should be i...
TIPO reduces design patent costs
The Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) has listened to industry representatives claiming that design patents costs are high considering Taiwan...
What is a PCT patent and why should I choose it?
Most individuals begin their patent process by filing an application in their home country (in this case, the U.S.), and before the 12-month deadline,...