A high number of patent applications are given a non-final rejection from the USPTO according to Yale. Often, the reason that the patent office will cite for rejecting an application is the presence of prior art. This makes the term ‘prior art’ an important concept for inventors to understand. What is Prior Art? You may have…
So you have a great idea for a product that you have been working on and you want to patent it; but what are your next steps moving forward? Successfully filing a patent application is critical in order to ensure that you have the sole rights to your invention and that your intellectual property is…
Historically, the first person to invent something had the patent rights to the invention, regardless of when they filed their patent application. However, with the America Invents Act which went into effect in 2013, the United States’ patent system has switched to a “first-to-file” system. This means that the first person to file a patent…
Patents were designed to protect inventions and ideas that are new and non-obvious. Ultimately, a patent is a form of intellectual property protection that gives the creator exclusive rights to legally market, sell, manufacture, and profit from the invention. With a patent, an inventor can exclude competition by enforcing the patent, license the invention…
There are a few people who will claim that you can’t patent a plant. This is not true. In fact, there is a particular process for doing exactly that. Here is what you need to know. The Types Of Plants You Can Patent There is one article in the US code about patenting plants, and…
After working to create a new product, it is important that you get a patent to protect it. However, considering that the process of obtaining a patent is complex, it is important that you work with an attorney in order to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Yet, with so many attorneys available, you may be…
Patents are a big part of making an invention profitable, so many people need one. However, there are three or four (depending on if you include provisional as a kind of patent) types of patents and getting the right type can save you a lot of bother and money. The decision on what sort of…
For entrepreneurs/inventors, getting your product to market quickly can be critical in order to ensure that you launch your product before someone beats you to the punch. However, it is just as important that you secure a patent for your idea, as our patent system gives priority to the first person to file for a…
Many businesses find it advantageous to put unique symbols on their products. The symbols, called trademarks, tell a consumer which company has made a product and can be an easy way to advertise a business. This is why the US government and states have set out laws governing trademarks and protecting your rights as an owner of a trademark.
So, you have an idea for an invention that you have been working on and you want to bring it market, and you think that it is time to get a patent for your invention. This is an important step to take, as a patent can help to ensure that no one can steal your idea and claim it as their own.