Vic Lin

What is a utility nonprovisional patent application? Unlike design patents, utility patents protect functionality. To get a utility patent, you have to file a utility…

What does patent prosecution mean? Patent prosecution refers to the writing, filing and handling of patent applications. It encompasses the patent examination process from initial…

What is the filing deadline for a US design patent based on a foreign priority application? When it comes to filing related patent applications across…

What is the new deadline to respond to trademark Office Actions? When you’ve practiced trademark law long enough, you take certain things for granted. Things…

What does house mark mean? Normally, a trademark is tied to a particular product or service. You don’t register a trademark in a vacuum without…

What does straight continuation mean? Patent attorneys will sometimes use the term “straight continuation” to refer to a specific type of child application that stems…

No patents: What are your options against product copies? It’s understandable. You come up with a new product idea, but feel unsure about whether it…

Patent your idea or keep it secret? If this question has crossed your mind, I’m willing to venture that your product or idea is not…

What is a PCT Receiving Office (RO)? In order to file a PCT application, a Receiving Office (RO) must be selected. For most US practitioners,…

Has your patent attorney retired? If your patent attorney has retired or will retire soon, don’t freak out. This post will walk you through the…

Does it matter whether you incorporate or trademark first? Incorporate or trademark first? Does it matter? Actually, it matters a great deal. A proper trademark…

Can you file a single patent application for all countries? Wouldn’t it be great if you could get a single patent to cover all countries?…