Patent Applications

CIP or new patent application? When it comes to new subject matter that is related to a pending utility patent application, should you file a…

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…

What is the first-to-file patent system? US patent laws no longer recognize who was first to invent, but rather who applied first for a patent.…

What is a patent priority date? Priority date refers to the earliest filing date in a family of patent applications. Where only a single patent…

Reasons for Procuring US Design Patents Chinese design patent owners will already know the benefits of design patent protection in the US. Unlike US utility patents,…

What are negative claim limitations? A negative claim limitation is language recited in a patent claim that speaks to the absence of a feature, as…

How to Transfer Patent Ownership Patent ownership starts with the inventors. It is fairly straightforward, however, to transfer ownership to a company. Every patent application…

Drawing the line between old and new The term “prior art” is frequently used in the patent world to refer to what already exists. It’s the…

What is a Section 112 indefinite rejection? Patent claims must follow certain rigid rules in terms of format and language. For this reason, claims will often…

What are excess claims? In a US nonprovisional utility patent application, the USPTO will charge additional government fees for claims that exceed certain limits. The…

How can a novelty search can help you file a utility nonprovisional patent application? Before investing in an expensive utility patent application, a utility novelty…

Yes, software can be patented. However, the road to a granted patent may be long, frustrating and expensive. Let’s dive into the factors that can…