How to do a Patent Search: Everything You Need to Know
The road from the abstract conception of an idea to seeing a finished product sitting on the shelves of a local Walmart is a long but rewarding journey indeed. Perhaps one of the most frequent points of internal conflict our clients experience is the doubt that his/her idea really is novel and unique. Surely I can’t be the first person to have thought of this?! If you are at that wonderfully exciting point in your entrepreneurship journey and can relate to this internal skepticism, please keep reading. This article will go over the fundamentals of conducting a Patent Search,...
How to Patent an Idea: A Full Guide and Explanation
Okay, say you have an idea in mind, and you’re ready to take the plunge and get yourself a patent. What happens now? First of all, familiarize yourself with the basics. When entrepreneurs, inventors, and investors speak of "patents", they are referring to a legal tool and right given by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), which entitles exclusive ownership to a new or improved idea/process/product/system/invention. This exclusivity, then, effectively means that a patent is a right to sue. The patent prevents others from claiming, marketing, or profiting from the product without the patent holder’s authorization. Patents - Recognize the Different Options Available There are several basic...
How Long Do Utility Patents Last?
Utility patents--otherwise known as ‘patents for invention”, cover a new or improved product, process, or machine, and prevent others from using that new or improved invention without authorization or permission. A Utility Patent is fundamentally a right to sue. When people talk about a patent, they are generally talking about a utility patent. For many businesses, the proprietary product is what drives the business and to stay competitive and value-centric, owning the rights to the use and sale of the product is critical. Utility Patents really are important. The time period that a utility patent lasts depends on when it was...
Utility Patent vs. Design Patent: Which One Do I Need?
Why you should protect the design and use of your invention? When patenting your invention there are quite a few nuances, both technical and logistical, that must be taken into account. The first consideration is how to best protect your idea. Is your invention, design-focused or utility-focused? Depending on what precisely it is that you're protecting, you will need either need to obtain a Design Patent or a Utility Patent. Read on to see what type of patent is right for you. What is a Design Patent? A Design Patent protects the aesthetics of your product. It does not protect the operation or...
How to Respond to a Patent Office Action
The USPTO (the United States Patent and Trademark Office) has just sent you an office action. Don’t panic. Once you figure out just what an office action actually is, you can respond accordingly. Read on to learn all about office actions should you receive one and how to respond. What is a Patent Office Action? First things first, what exactly is an office action? An office action is issued by a patent examiner. It is a written correspondence from the patent examiner to you that requires your signed response in order for your application to move forward. The requirements in your...
How to Patent an Improvement on an Existing Product
Some ideas are great ideas. Some ideas have already been done, sort of. Who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Understanding how to patent an improvement on an existing product without infringing on the patent or patents on the existing product can be tricky. But it can be done. Read on, to patent the next big improvement. How to Patent an Improvement on an Existing Product? In the case of patenting an improvement on an existing product, the most critical aspect is to prove to the USPTO (the United States Patent and Trademark Office) that your idea is...
The Importance of Claims in a Patent Application
When preparing to file your patent application, more important than your patent search or the type of patent you’re filing for, are your claims. The claims are the crux of your invention and the deciding factor of whether or not you’ll be awarded a patent or be forced to go back to the drawing board. Curious to know what a claim is and why it’s so important? Read on. What are Claims in a Patent Application? Claims are the most important part of your Utility Patent. The claims section of your application is where you define the scope of your invention....
How to Communicate with a Patent Examiner
The relationship you have with a patent examiner is important. Should your patent application get rejected or should you be sent an office action, you will then be in direct communication with a patent examiner. Worried about how to respond to your office action? Don’t know how to communicate with your patent examiner? Read on to find out how. What is a Patent Examiner? A patent examiner is a federal employee who works at a patent office. A patent examiner is usually highly educated and has a background in engineering or science. There are patent offices all over the world. The...
