Your brand identifies your company, your product or service, and your vision. When the idea for your business first sparked, the brand was likely among the first decisions the founders made. With an image or a few words, your customers get what you stand for and the...
Strengthening a claim of trademark violation
Having a trademark can add a level of protection to your intellectual property that could prove invaluable in the future. Your images, phrases, slogans or designs could all benefit from trademark protection, but the protection does not necessarily mean that others...
Are you unsure whether someone infringed upon your patent?
If your business relies on products that you developed, you undoubtedly took measures to protect them. After applying for and receiving patents, you expected your products to remain protected. However, protecting your patents often hinges on you paying attention to...
Do you need a plant patent? What about a utility patent?
Many people have an idea at some point in their lives that they believe could have significant impacts. You may have had an idea for an invention with which you decided to move forward. Because you know that risks exist for others copying your work or otherwise trying...
In which countries do you want your invention patented?
Protecting your intellectual property is of utmost importance when you have inventions you want to bring to market. Whether you keep your work quiet during the development stage or publicly build anticipation, you would be wise to protect your rights before someone...
Remain aware of patent trolls
Providing appropriate protection for your concepts is just one part of running a successful business. But when working to secure your market share, as well as your bottom line, you must remain alert to those who try to sneak in to claim the benefits of your labor. In...
What to know about registering a trademark
Coming up with a trademark for your company may seem like the biggest hurdle in trademark registration. While picking a unique mark that identifies your brand clearly is not easy, but it is just one step in the trademark process. After selecting a mark, you must apply...
What is the purpose of an inter partes review (IPR)?
Inter partes review is a trial-like process before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) developed the process in 2011 to replace a string of less efficient processes for challenging patents. A person or company who...
After 200 years, patent volume still grows, along with strategy needs
In June of this year, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued its ten millionth patent for an invention that improves laser detection and ranging (LADAR) and may be used in autonomous vehicles, for space exploration, and in other high-tech...
