As he often does, Dennis Crouch has created a chart to help better understand the patent process. This one shows the average time between filing a patent application and receiving a first action on the merits (“FAOM”). Generally, this FAOM…
Just thing to get your kids excited about inventing – the USPTO has released a set of trading cards. I think? Features classic like George Washington Carver and Thomas Edison. They can be seen here.
Jordon Trapnell guest writes: Take a close look at the back of the electronics or appliances around your house, and it will be easy to pick out a variety of obscure little logos that don’t relate to the manufacturer. These…
How is obviousness of a patent claim considered when several individuals contribute to the claimed subject matter? Much analysis in patent law focuses on a person having ordinary skill in the art, or a “PHOSITA.” The PHOSITA is the touchstone…
Inventor’s Eye, the Patent Office’s monthly online publication, features the intersection of technology and sport, a nexus of particular interest to me. It frames the conversation in light of the recently-completed London Olympic and Paralympic Games, in both of which…
Jordon Trapnell is a guest author on this post. He writes: The words “patent pending” can be seen on products just about anywhere you look. However, many people are confused by what it really means and what protection it offers. …
The Lance Armstrong Foundation recently lost an appeal at the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board regarding its trademark application for TEAM LIVESTRONG as it relates to the organization of sports events in the field of running, walking, cycling, and swimming;…
The backlog of patent applications before the Patent Office has dropped from 700,000 to 600,000 in only about a year. Director Kappos has really helped push the Patent Office to become quicker (about 4 months faster initial exams than two…
I wrote about continuation-in-part applications earlier this week. Consider this a continuation-in-part discussion. I’m turning now to explore some of the reasons you may or may not want to file a CIP application. And last week’s proviso remains: CIP application…
A continuation-in-part (“CIP”) application is a special type of patent application. Today I’ll discuss what a CIP application is, and later this week I’ll go over reasons you might want to file a CIP or file an original utility patent…