The United States Patent and Trademark Office has announced that it is extending its pilot program that provides users with an email address to submit questions and inquiries relating to the Patent Cooperation Treaty. The email address that can be used is pcthelp@uspto.gov. The United States is a member country of the Patent Cooperation Treaty […]
Widerman Malek Law Blog
Decrease in Patent Cooperation Treaty Fees
In the world we live in with record inflation and price increases, the United States Patent and Trademark Office has announced that the fees associated with certain filings for the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) have decreased effective January 1, 2023. The complete US Patent Office fee schedule can be found here. The specific fees that […]
Patent Office Introduces AI Capability for Search
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) introduced new artificial intelligence (AI) capability for examiner searching. The bulletin regarding this announcement can be found here. In the bulletin, it is explained that the AI system can be used by examiners to assist in conducting searches for prior art during the examination process of the […]
International Patent Application Strategies
There are different standards in the United States regarding what is patentable and not compared to foreign jurisdictions, notably in the Japanese and European Patent offices. The decision to pursue foreign protection is not just about what markets you are interested in but also about the viability of getting protection in those markets. In the […]
5 Benefits of a Trademark and Why You Need One to Protect Your Intellectual Property
Trademarks are the building blocks for the success of a new company. There are numerous reasons why a company or an individual needs to secure a trademark, including: 1. Brand Protection The public identifies a trademark and then separates the products and services from the other products and services in that field, creating brand recognition […]
Design Patents: All You Need to Know
What Is a Design Patent? A design patent covers only the ornamental design of an object of manufacture. This means essentially that the design patent protects the appearance of a product. And to be eligible for a design patent, the object’s appearance must be novel and non-obvious. So, there must be something unique about the […]
How to Mitigate Intellectual Property Infringement
When it comes to Intellectual Property, it is essential to consider your options and legal protection. There are many ways individuals can intentionally or unintentionally interfere with your Intellectual Property. Helpful hints to avoid interference by others: Have a Trademark registered for your desired brand’s name, logo, or design to ensure they are secured and […]
Five Classic Examples of Trademarks
What is a trademark? “A trademark can be any word, phrase, symbol, design, or a combination of these that identifies your goods or services.” A trademark is how customers recognize you in the marketplace and distinguish you from your competitors. There are many different types of marks that can function as a trademark. It could […]
Why are Patents Important? Protecting Your Intellectual Property
Many people ask, “Are patents worth getting and what substantial benefits do they offer?” The answer is unequivocally, yes. The advantages of obtaining a patent almost always outweigh the potential complications that may arise if one is not secured. Especially if you plan to manufacture and sell your product on your own, a patent helps […]
