Author: Vic Lin

What is a utility model?

What is the difference between a utility model and a utility patent? Foreign utility patents are expensive. To obtain a foreign utility patent, you normally…

How to Trademark a Name or Word

How do you trademark a name or a word? If you want to obtain a US trademark registration for a business or product name, you…

What is a design mark application?

What is a design mark application? If you were asked to conjure up the first trademark that comes to mind, what would you see? A…

Why request to divide a trademark application?

What is a request to divide a trademark application? We tend to think of trademark applications as “all or nothing.” In particular, we think of…

How the Collaborative Search Pilot Program (CSP) helps US cross-filers in Japan or S. Korea

What is CSP? Typically, most folks applying for utility patents desire the path of least resistance, meaning fewer rejections and less prior art cited. So,…

The Art of Persuasion: How to persuade IP examiners

Why is persuasion necessary? If you’re going to be an IP attorney, you must be able to persuade. There is no way around it. Whether…

What is a patent Fast-Track Appeal?

What is a Fast-Track Appeal? Appealing a rejected patent application can take years. Normally, an appeal to the PTAB would be taken up for decision…

How to save clients money (while making money)

Is it possible to save clients money and earn more? It seems paradoxical to earn more by saving clients money. As IP attorneys, we practice…

Billable hour vs. flat rates

How clients perceive hourly billing versus flat rates When I started practicing IP law back in the last millennium, hourly billing was the standard for…

IP Networking: What works for introverts like me

IP networking for introverts Have you ever attended a large networking event and felt like you lost a couple hours of your life that you’ll…

How can we help each other?

Helping younger IP professionals and practitioners I’m starting a new series of posts dedicated to helping IP professionals. My hope is that these articles will…

How to challenge patents (with lower costs)

What are less expensive ways to challenge patents? As a patent attorney, it’s my job to protect innovation. Innovation is wonderful, but so is fair…

Copyright © Vic Lin 2023