Patent Applications

Strict USPTO Rules for Design Patent Drawings The USPTO has strict standards for US design patent drawings. These strict rules govern which views are required…

USPTO Cost Differences Between a Small and Large Entity At the outset, one of the first questions we ask a corporate patent applicant is the…

IP resources for startups As an early stage startup, you cannot ignore the significance of IP. At the same time, your budget for protecting your…

National stage flat fee cost estimates A PCT application allows you to file your patent application in multiple countries. To do so, an applicant enters…

Can you add new content after filing a patent application? Yes, it is possible to add new content after filing a utility patent application. There…

What is an ex parte patent appeal? An ex parte patent appeal is the process to seek review of a final rejection in a patent…

When filing a conventional direct priority U.S. nonprovisional patent application claiming priority to a foreign application filed within 12 months (Paris Convention, not PCT), an English translation of the…

Design Patents vs. Utility Patents Design patent or utility patent? This is a critical question that you need to resolve early in your patent journey.…

Can an expired patent still be prior art against a pending application? Yes, an expired patent is still prior art. Prior art has nothing to…

Should I share my idea before applying for a patent? It’s almost never to your benefit to disclose your concept before filing a patent application. By…

What is a joint development agreement? A joint development agreement (JDA) sets the terms for two or more parties working together to develop a particular product…

Each co-owner of a jointly held patent can make, use, sell and license the patented invention. Licensing is the main concern with a jointly owned…