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The USPTO defines three categories of applicants and inventors: you can apply as a large entity, small entity, or micro entity.  Why does this matter?  The entity size affects the fees owed to [...]

In the U.S., “public use” of an invention can block the inventor from being able to patent the invention.  This “public use” bar can be applied broadly.  If the public use [...]

There are six patent reform bills making their way through Congress now, with proposed changes to fee-shifting, pleading requirements, the presumption in favor of or against issued patents, and [...]

The right patent application strategy will depend on what your goals are for your business, and for the intellectual property you’re developing. You’re running a company.  Where to [...]

The term “patent troll” is common now.  News outlets are filled with pundits denouncing “trolls.”  But what does the term mean?  Where did it come from, and why is it used [...]

The Google Patent Purchase Promotion offer period ends Friday, May 22, 2015. But should you even consider submitting an offer? Can you withdraw one? What are the terms?

A dead trademark is one that was registered or applied for and is “dead” or abandoned, for several reasons.  Whether anyone else can use it, or whether the original registrant can [...]

I often hear the question “What will it cost to apply for a patent?”  Short answer: “it depends.” For more help and guidance on patent application cost, read on. What does [...]

Do you wonder about trademarks: what are they, and who cares?  Trademarks are a crucial asset to any business or brand, and anyone running a business or building a brand should want trademarks to [...]

A patent must name all inventors.  But, how do you know who is an inventor?  And, what is inventorship, and why is it important? Who is a patent inventor? Every person who contributes to the [...]