patent attorney

Patent Abstract: Traps for the Unwary

What is a patent abstract? A patent abstract is a short section of a utility patent that concisely summarizes the invention. Preferably located after the…

How to Revive Abandoned Patent Application or Expired Patent

Can an abandoned patent application be revived? Under certain circumstances, yes. An abandoned patent application may be revived depending upon the following key factors: Need…

How much does a patent Office Action response cost?

Office Action cost range: from simple to complex responses The cost estimate of responding to an Office Action in a utility patent application will depend…

Should you get a second opinion on your patent application?

What should you ask for in a second opinion? So you have a nagging feeling that something is not right with your pending patent application,…

Design Patent Process and Cost: How to Protect the Appearance of Your Products

What is the design patent application process? The design patent process is much simpler than that of a utility patent. Costs for obtaining a design…

How to Understand Patent Claims

How do you read utility patent claims? What exactly does a utility patent cover? It boils down to the claims. Yet, they are the least…

How to Follow Through After Filing a Provisional Patent Application

What are next steps after filing a provisional patent application? So you’ve filed a provisional patent application. Now what? The next steps depend upon a…

Micro Entity Status: What is our firm’s policy?

Why does micro entity status matter? USPTO patent fees are generally proportionate to the size of the applicant. A large entity with over 500 employees…

Who is the patent inventor?

What makes someone a patent inventor? Every US patent application requires an identification of each inventor. A patent inventor must be an individual who contributes…

Inventor Grace Period: When is it too late to file a US patent after disclosing invention?

Can prior public disclosures of my invention kill my chances of getting a patent? Revealing your invention to the public before filing a patent application…

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…

What is the first to file patent rule?

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.…

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