REQUIREMENTS FOR JOINT INVENTORSHIP The inventive entity for a particular application is based on some contribution to at least one of the claims made by each of the named inventors. Inventors may apply for a patent jointly even though (1) they did not physically work together or at the same time, (2) each did not…
I noticed that my application has been “REFERRED BY L&R FOR THIRD-LEVEL SECURITY REVIEW”. What does that mean? (SOURCE: USPTO.GOV) 35 USC 181 requires the USPTO to refer any application which it deems the publication of which may be detrimental to national security to an appropriate defense agency for review. If that defense agency makes…
FEATURES Provides simplified filing with a lower initial investment with 12 months to assess the invention’s commercial potential before committing to higher cost of filing and prosecuting a nonprovisional application for patent. Establishes official United States patent application filing date for the invention. Permits authorized use of “Patent Pending” notice for 12 months in connection…
What is a design patent? Source: USPTO.GOV A design consists of the visual ornamental characteristics embodied in, or applied to, an article of manufacture. Since a design is manifested in appearance, the subject matter of a design patent application may relate to the configuration or shape of an article, to the surface ornamentation applied to…
ARE YOUR PATENT OFFICE MAINTENANCE FEES DUE IN 2020? Who can pay? Maintenance fees and any necessary surcharges may be paid by the patentee or by any person or organization on behalf of a patentee. What to include with payment? You must include both the patent number and corresponding application number with your maintenance fee…
As businesses begin to reopen or resume operations, some stakeholders will continue to require relief, particularly small businesses and individuals. Under the CARES Act authority and its existing authority in Trademark and TTAB matters, the USPTO will direct relief to those who need it on a case-by-case basis, as described below. Applicants who were unable…
The Patent Attorney would require a complete disclosure of your invention. This can include sketches, write-ups, photos, drawings, etc. Provide all of the information in an organized format and be prepared to discuss all aspects of the disclosure. Answers to the following questions can be prepared before a phone or office consultation with your patent…
source: USPT.GOV The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today published a report authored by its Chief Economist titled, Adjusting to Alice: USPTO patent examination outcomes after Alice Corp v. CLS Bank International. The report highlights how recent actions undertaken by the USPTO have brought greater predictability and certainty to the determination of patent…
TRADEMARK “USE” IN COMMERCE The term “use in commerce” means the bona fide use of a mark in the ordinary course of trade, and not made merely to reserve a right in a mark. A mark shall be deemed to be in use in commerce: (1) on goods when— (A) it is placed in any…
The United States Code provides that the owners of all utility and reissue utility patents filed on or after December 12, 1980 must pay maintenance fees to keep the patents. Maintenance fees are not required for design, plant patent, or statutory invention registrations. Maintenance fees and any necessary surcharges may be paid by the patentee…
