What is trademark fair use?
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 US patent application process (how much time does it take to get a utility patent)?
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…
Where can I find IP resources for startups?
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…
How to Add New Content After Filing Patent Application (CIP)
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…
Trademark Goods or Services: Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Everything
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 can go wrong if you lose a TTAB trademark case?
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…
Should I have a patent infringement search conducted for a simple product?
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…
What does patent pending mean? Can you share your idea?
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…
How to Avoid Patent Infringement
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 (published for opposition)?
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 and when do you need it?
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…
Joint Development Agreement: What are key issues and terms to negotiate in a JDA?
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…