Introduction The following is a brief summary of each tool for protecting intellectual property (IP). The tools discussed are Patents, Trademarks & Copyrights. Patents Patents protect an idea (invention) that is embodied in a device or method. This is different from Copyright and Trademarks. The vast majority of patents are “utility patents”. There are also plant patents…
publication of application
PATENT APPLICATION FLOW CHART
Introduction The following is a simplified description on one possible chain of events that occur in the patenting process. This is a hypothetical patent application flow chart. See my article on “Behind the First to File Rules“. Also review my article regarding “Patent Application Elements“. Pre-Filing Outline Document invention in writing, signed and dated…
BEHIND THE FIRST TO FILE RULES
Introduction As you are probably aware, the USPTO rules changed March 16, 2013 to make the first inventor to file eligible to obtain a patent. (Prior to this change in law, patents were awarded to the first person to invent, regardless of whether another (later inventor) first filed an application.) Implementation of this “first to…
CHALLENGING JUNK PATENTS II
Introduction Continuing with the topic of the USPTO issuing patents for items that are not truly patentable “developments”, the America Invents Act (AIA) introduced a significant change allowing third party submission of information to an examiner challenging the potential issuance of Junk Patents . See my article Challenging Junk Patents Discussion You may become aware…
Notice to Competitor of Application
Introduction: Unless you expressly opt out, your non-provisional application will be published 18 months after the application filing date. Note if your non-provisional application claims priority to a prior provisional application, the 18 months are calculated from the filing date of the provisional application. Thus, your application can be published as soon as 6 months after filing….