First-to-File and Continuation Applications

By: Dan Pierron As has been well publicized, starting March 16, the U.S. patent system will join the rest of the world by transitioning from a First-to-Invent system to a First-to-File system, where regardless of when they invented it, the first applicant to file an application with the USPTO has priority.  Many are predicting a torrent of […]

By: Dan Pierron As a follower of several tech websites, it’s my general impression that the cost of 3D printers and their associated printing media are quickly dropping in price, to the point that it is within the budget of some hobbyists and semi-professional hardware manufacturers to purchase and operate the machines.  While this is certainly […]

By: Dan Pierron For the inventor who is also a patent novice, there is a pitfall in telling others about your invention.  There are an unfortunate many who shoot themselves in the foot by disclosing their invention to others without taking necessary precautions to preserve their patent rights, and that disclosure can have negative consequences at […]

By: Dan Pierron Claim drafting ain’t easy.  On top of having to concisely describe a quite-often complicated invention, there are all the strategic implications on word choice, independent-dependent relationships, and too many others to recite here.  However, one overarching strategic decision to be made when drafting claims prior to filing an application is this; should one […]

By: Dan Pierron Yet another part of the America Invents Act are Third Party Submission of Prior Art.  This presents the opportunity for ex parte participation in the form of introducing prior art to be considered by the examiner in a pending application.  This adds another tool in the arsenal of options for a party considering an […]

By: Dan Pierron Receiving a notice of allowance is the patent equivalence of reaching the promised land.  After years of effort and expense, the Patent Office has deemed your application worthy of becoming a patent, and issued a Notice of Allowance accordingly.  However, this does not necessarily mean the end of the road as far as […]

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