The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced significant fee changes that will take effect on January 19, 2025. As a patent attorney, I want to highlight the key adjustments and their potential impact on patent applicants and strategies. General Fee Increases The USPTO is implementing an across-the-board fee increase of approximately 7.5%…
Patents play a pivotal role in venture capital (VC) investment decisions.Patents help startups establish competitive advantages and increase valuations. This makes patents highly attractive to venture capitalists looking for promising investment opportunities. There are several key reasons why patents matter for securing VC funding: Exclusivity – Patents give startups exclusive rights to their inventions for…
Woodworking is an ancient craft that has stood the test of time, continually evolving and adapting to the ever-changing demands of society. From exquisite furniture pieces to intricate carvings, it is a testament to human ingenuity and creativity. But what truly sets woodworking apart is the wealth of knowledge and expertise shared amongst its practitioners…
For inventors and companies seeking patent protection, the patent application process can be long and arduous. Patent applications are often rejected by a patent examiner. When an agreement with the examiner cannot be reached, applicants have the option to appeal the rejection to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). The PTAB is an administrative…
Patents and trademarks are two forms of intellectual property protection, but they serve different purposes. Here’s an overview of how patent protection and trademark protection differ: What is a Patent? A patent provides its owner with the legal right to prevent others from making, using, selling or importing an invention for a limited period of…
Patent drafting is a critical process that involves creating a written document that describes an invention and lays out the grounds for obtaining patent protection. Here are some key points to keep in mind when drafting a patent application: Start by understanding what type of patent protection you need. There are three types of patents…
When you think of trademarks, you may think of brand names, logos, and slogans. However, there is another type of trademark that is becoming increasingly important in the world of e-commerce: product configuration trademarks. Product configuration trademarks protect the unique configuration or design of a product, rather than the brand name or logo. This can…
Starting up a business can be a daunting process with many unknowns. It is important to understand your legal protections and options, especially when it comes to intellectual property. Patent attorneys can be an invaluable asset in the startup ecosystem, offering expertise and advice for navigating the complex and often confusing world of intellectual property…
Third-party pre-issuance submissions are a relatively new process that allows third parties to submit prior art to the USPTO during the examination of a patent application. This can be a helpful way to ensure that the examiner has all the relevant information before making a decision on whether to grant a patent. To file a…
Patent applications are critical to innovation and intellectual property protection, yet they can often be expensive, complex, and time-consuming to process. Fortunately, there is an increasingly popular alternative: the Design Patent Rocket Docket. This docket can dramatically reduce the time it takes to process a design patent application, making it easier for inventors to protect…