Can others file the same patent in a different country?
Same patent by others in different country? If an earlier applicant obtains a patent first in their own country, can others subsequently patent the same…
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Live vs. Dead trademark: What are the differences?
Dead or live marks on USPTO trademark database Anyone can search trademarks on the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Search System, or TESS for short. The status…
What are the new trademark filing rules for 2020?
What are the new USPTO trademark filing rules in 2020? Starting Feb. 15, 2020, certain mandatory requirements for trademark filings will take effect. These changes…
How much does a US national stage application cost?
What is the cost of filing a US national stage application? The initial cost of filing a Us national stage application based on a PCT…
First file PCT or US patent application?
Should you file PCT or US patent application first? When you need patents in the US and foreign countries, you must eventually file multiple patent…
How to analyze prior art in Office Action
Prior art cited in patent Office Action When prior art is cited in an Office Action to reject your claims, the typical reaction of applicants…
Patent publication = published patent application
What is a patent publication? A patent publication is a published utility patent application which is not the same thing as a patent. While a…
Should you apply for a trademark in color?
What is a color claim in trademark application? Color is an issue only when dealing with design marks, such as logos, that have elements of…
What is a suggestive trademark?
What is a suggestive mark? A suggestive trademark has wording that suggests characteristics of the underlying goods or services without saying it outright. As stated…
How to Respond to a Trademark Audit
What is a trademark audit? The USPTO has implemented a process to audit the renewal of trademark registrations. It is called the Trademark Post Registration…
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…
Too Late to Patent? How to Protect Products After Sales or Public Disclosures
Is it too late to patent a product after it has been sold or publicly disclosed? Maybe not. Ideally, you would have filed patent applications…
How much do foreign patents cost?
Foreign patent costs Foreign patent costs are high. If we’re talking about utility patents, expect about $2,000 to $6,000 for the initial filing in each…
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 acquired distinctiveness (secondary meaning)?
What is a trademark with acquired distinctiveness? Some trademarks are inherently distinctive from the start. Inherently distinctive marks generally include marks that are arbitrary, fanciful…
Ready to Slay Goliath?
Not sure where to start? Email US patent attorney Vic Lin at vlin@icaplaw.com.