Explore a wealth of information on patents and trademarks, where visitors can find insightful articles, comprehensive legal glossary definitions, and engaging video interviews with experienced attorneys. This category covers essential topics such as intellectual property rights, trademark registration, patent applications, and infringement issues, providing valuable resources for individuals and businesses seeking legal guidance in the realm of intellectual property law. Stay informed and empowered with expert insights and practical advice tailored to your legal needs.
“Patent pending” means a patent application has been filed with the USPTO (or another patent office) and is awaiting examination; it is not an issued patent. The phrase can deter copycats and preserve priority rights, but it does not grant the enforceable right to stop others until a patent is granted. This article explains what […]
A provisional patent application is a USPTO filing that establishes an early priority date for your invention and gives you 12 months to file a nonprovisional patent application. It’s not examined and never becomes a patent by itself, but it can let you use “patent pending” while you refine the invention or seek funding. This […]
Prior art is any publicly available information—like patents, publications, products, or public use—that existed before a patent’s filing (or priority) date and can affect whether an invention is patentable. It’s used by the USPTO and courts to assess novelty and nonobviousness, and it can invalidate or limit patent claims. This article explains what counts as […]
A patent is a government-granted property right that lets an inventor exclude others from making, using, selling, or importing an invention for up to 20 years from filing (utility). In exchange, the inventor publicly discloses how the invention works. This article explains patent basics, how patents work, and key types and requirements. A patent is […]
A utility patent is the most common type of U.S. patent, protecting new and useful inventions for up to 20 years from the filing date. It covers an invention’s functional aspects—how it works, what it does, and how it’s used. This article explains what utility patents cover, eligibility basics, and how they differ from other […]
A U.S. design patent protects a product’s ornamental appearance—not its function—for 15 years from grant. It can cover shape, configuration, surface ornamentation, and overall visual impression if the design is novel and non-obvious. This article explains what design patents cover, key requirements, and how they differ from utility patents. A design patent protects the unique […]
Patents protect inventions for 20 years. Copyrights safeguard creative works automatically for lifetime plus 70 years. Trademarks protect brand identifiers indefinitely. Understanding these differences is crucial before seeking legal advice, attorney consultation, or legal services for proper protection.
