Patent Applications

Design Patents vs. Utility Patents Design patent or utility patent? This is a critical question that you need to resolve early in your patent journey.…

Can an expired patent still be prior art against a pending application? Yes, an expired patent is still prior art. Prior art has nothing to…

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…

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…

Each co-owner of a jointly held patent can make, use, sell and license the patented invention. Licensing is the main concern with a jointly owned…

What are parent and child applications? In the patent world, parent and child applications may be relevant when continuing applications are involved. A parent application…

Can you patent a new use of an old product? Yes, it is possible to patent a new use of an old product. That’s the…

How do you obtain foreign design patent protection? If you are considering foreign design patents, first check to make sure you did not publicly disclose…

Are utility patent applications kept confidential? By default, utility nonprovisional patent applications are published around 18 months from the priority date. This publication occurs whether…

Why is an IDS required? The USPTO places an obligation on each patent applicant to disclose any known prior art references that are relevant to…

Bare Minimum Fee for Entering US National Stage The bare minimum official fee due upon filing a U.S. national phase patent application is the basic national fee. As of the…

What are the different types of patent searches? A patent search can mean different things. So when you’re talking to a patent attorney about a…