Category: Intellectual Property Q&A

Can you copyright product designs and shapes? In addition to patents and trademarks, copyright registrations can be valuable in protecting certain products. At times, it…

When is it OK to refer to someone else’s trademark? Trademark law allows for third parties to refer to the trademarks of others in certain…

How long is the utility patent application process? The USPTO is notorious for its backlog of examining utility nonprovisional patent applications. First-time utility patent applicants…

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…

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…

How do you decide which goods or services to include in a trademark application? Trademarks do not exist in a vacuum. A trademark must always…

What are the consequences of losing a TTAB trademark opposition or cancellation? So you have applied to register a trademark and everything has proceeded smoothly…

What is an FTO search? Also known as a Freedom-To-Operate (FTO) or right-to-use search, a patent infringement search looks for patents that may cover a…

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…

Will changing the product 10% to 30% avoid patent infringement? I think part of the reason why patents are undervalued these days is the myth…

What is a trademark Notice of Publication? A Notice of Publication in a trademark application is good news for the applicant. It means that the…

What is a trademark disclaimer? Sometimes a trademark may include one or more words regarded as merely descriptive or generic when viewed in connection with…