Chicago: The Modern Hub of Inventive Minds Chicago has transformed itself into a premier destination for innovation by fostering a collaborative ecosystem where ideas are not just born, but legally fortified. As of 2026, the city stands as a “multi-industry startup engine,” powered by a unique culture of relationship-building and expert legal guidance from leaders…
THREE EFFECTIVE WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR STARTUP IP You can effectively structure the protection of your startup’s intellectual property (IP) around three core strategies: legally binding agreements, formal government registrations, and internal security protocols. These three approaches create a multi-layered defense that manages both human risk and legal standing. The first critical strategy involves implementing…
Innovation Clinics A Pathway to Empower Inventors In an era where innovation drives economic growth and social change, many individuals with groundbreaking ideas face significant hurdles in bringing their inventions to market. This is especially true in underserved communities, where access to resources and expert guidance can be limited. One promising solution to this challenge…
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 payment. For a reissue patent number, include the reissue…
A Prototype Helps You Prove Your Invention Do you need a prototype? For obvious reasons you need to prove – first to yourself, later to investors or companies – that your idea works. For an invention that is a process or a business method, physical proof may not be possible or necessary. For an invention…
In an era where innovation drives economic growth and social change, many individuals with groundbreaking ideas face significant hurdles in bringing their inventions to market. This is especially true in underserved communities, where access to resources and expert guidance can be limited. One promising solution to this challenge is the establishment of Innovation Clinics—community-oriented spaces…
How do I challenge a trademark registration or application? Several options exist to challenge another party’s trademark registration or application, depending on the particular circumstances and grounds for challenging: You may challenge a trademark registration issued by the USPTO by filing a petition to cancel the registration with the Trademark Trial & Appeal Board (TTAB)….
How do I apply for a patent? Inventors may apply for one of two types of patent applications: (1) A nonprovisional application, which begins the examination process and may lead to a patent; and (2) A provisional application, which establishes a filing date but does not begin the examination process. How do I know if…
The United States Patent Laws provide that any person who invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent, subject to the conditions and requirements of the law. NEW AND USEFUL An invention is not new if the inventor…
HOW DO I SELECT A STRONG TRADEMARK? It is vitally important that you select or create a trademark that is both federally registrable and legally protectable. This animated video will help you understand how a strong trademark identifies the source of your goods and services, as well as distinguishes them from the goods and services…
