What is a utility divisional application?
When is a divisional application appropriate? The option to file a divisional application arises if an Examiner thinks that your patent application contains multiple inventions…
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What is a design patent divisional application?
Design patent divisional application: when do you need it? Though it does not happen often, a design patent application may occasionally be filed with multiple…
How to Prepare Acceptable Trademark Web Specimens of Use
What makes trademark web specimens tricky? Nowadays, it would seem unusual if a company does not sell any of its goods online. Sure, certain big…
How to Extend the PCT National Stage Deadline
Is it possible to extend the PCT national stage deadline? Depending upon the country, the deadline for entering the national phase of a PCT application…
What is a Species Restriction?
What is a species restriction? A species restriction differs from the more commonly known Restriction Requirement which arises when an Examiner feels that a patent…
How to Get a Patent Faster
What are effective strategies for getting a patent faster? Getting a utility patent can be a long and expensive slog. The utility patent process is…
What are hidden or unexpected patent costs?
Expecting unexpected patent costs I still remember the one piece of sage advice given to prepare me for my wedding day: expect the unexpected. Having…
How to Choose a Patent Attorney
What should you look for in a patent attorney? Recently, I searched online for professionals in a particular field to assist in a new business…
What does a design patent protect?
Will a design patent protect your idea? Without a doubt, design patents are cheaper and quicker to obtain than utility patents. The low cost and…
How to Choose a Trademark
What will be the name of your product? Choosing a trademark for your product can be more challenging than it seems. You may have already…
How much does a utility patent cost?
What is a realistic cost estimate for obtaining a utility patent? Why write another post on patent costs when I’ve already written several articles, such…
How to Get Patents That Stop Competitors From Copying Your Products
Why one patent might not be enough to stop competitors Obtaining a utility patent is no minor accomplishment. You likely had to respond to at…
What Patent Examiners Need vs. What They Get
If you want to know what makes for a well written patent application, it may help to understand what USPTO examiners really think. According to…
What to do before utility patent application is published
Utility nonprovisional patent applications are typically published around 18 months from the priority date. This event usually comes and goes without much fanfare. Before your…
What is a patent specification?
What is the purpose of a patent specification? One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to read a patent specification and think you…
Ready to Slay Goliath?
Not sure where to start? Email US patent attorney Vic Lin at vlin@icaplaw.com.