Vic Lin

How can you order a US national stage application based on your PCT application? You can now order a flat rate US national phase application…

Do US trademark rights go to the first trademark filer or user? Many foreign countries use a first-to-file system for trademark registration. Whoever registers a…

What is the average wait time for an examiner to begin review your utility patent application? Experienced utility patent filers know something that might be…

What is the difference between a suspension and an extension of trademark opposition deadlines? Each trademark opposition will have deadlines set by the TTAB. When…

Unfavorable Patent Appeal Decision An ex parte patent appeal decision by the PTAB that affirms an examiner’s rejections can seem like the end of the…

What is the meaning of new matter in patent applications? New matter in a patent application typically refers to something recited in the claims that…

What is a multiple dependent claim? A multiple dependent claim is a dependent claim that refers to more than one claim. The USPTO will not…

Can you change a patent application after it has been filed? Do ideas simply stop churning in your head after a patent application has been…

Patent Claims vs. Description of the Invention: What is the key difference? A utility patent is not a simple thing to understand. In a typical…

What are preferred embodiments? In any other context besides patents, “preferred embodiment” would sound quite strange. Yet, the term is used so commonly and frequently…

What questions should you ask when you’re unsure about filing a patent application? Making a decision about filing a patent can be a daunting task.…

What happens when a trademark registration is not renewed? Trademark registrations have strict time periods for renewal. In trademark vocabulary, “renewing” a registered trademark is…