Category: Patent Applications

Can you renew a patent?

Can a patent be renewed? No, you cannot renew a patent in the US. Technically speaking, US utility patents are maintained, not renewed. The connotation…

Patent process from Problem to Idea to Granted Patent

A Problem The journey to a granted patent starts with a problem. You search for a satisfactory solution, but can’t find any. Others may have…

What is the probability of getting a utility patent?

What is the utility patent probability of success? It’s no surprise that utility patents are substantially harder to obtain than design patents. What might be…

How much does a patent cost from start to finish?

How much does it cost to get a patent? A one-size-fits-all patent does not exist. Patents vary widely. Design patents, for example, are more predictable…

What is public disclosure?

What is the meaning of public disclosure of an invention? Patents are time-sensitive. Those desiring patent protection do not have the luxury of waiting indefinitely…

What is a patent priority claim?

Why do priority claims matter for patents? Patenting is about winning the race to the Patent Office by applying for a protectable invention before others…

What is an Ex parte Quayle Action?

What is an Ex parte Quayle Office Action? An Ex parte Quayle Office Action, or “Quayle Action” for short, is issued when there are minor…

How does the USPTO get prior art?

How do USPTO patent examiners get prior art? When examining patent applications, USPTO examiners get relevant prior art through two primary means: the patent examiner…

How to Patent a Product or Idea

Should you file a patent application? Before discussing how to patent a product, let’s briefly consider the why question. Give some thought to this fundamental…

How to Patent a Medical Device

Patenting a Medical Device: Where do you start? If you want to patent a medical device, where should you start? A good place to start…

What is a supplemental amendment?

When is a supplemental amendment appropriate? As suggested by its name, a supplemental amendment is an additional reply to a patent Office Action. Supplemental replies…

To file an RCE or not?

When does an RCE matter? RCE stands for Request for Continued Examination. To file an RCE or not to file – this is a question…

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