Can product design (shape) be trademarked or protected?
Can 3D product designs be trademarked? Trademarks are commonly known as names and logos. It may surprise you to learn that 3-dimensional product shapes (aka…
The Largest Free Patent and Trademark Q&A Resource: 560+ Posts on IP
Patentable or Not? What can you patent?
Can you patent that? “Patentable?” This is one of the most common questions we get from new clients. The question may relate to whether their…
What is a Preliminary Amendment?
What is a Preliminary Amendment? A Preliminary Amendment is a submission filed prior to the issuance of an Office Action in a patent application. The…
How much is a flat rate trademark application?
What is a flat rate trademark application? Our firm offers fixed fees for filing trademark applications. A flat rate trademark application provides you with some…
China PCT Applicants: What to Know About US National Stage Entry
From China PCT to US national stage Chinese companies filing US national stage applications through their PCT applications need to be aware of a few…
How to Avoid a Delayed or Suspended Trademark Application
What is a suspended trademark application? Certain circumstances may require that the examination of a trademark application be put on hold. A suspended trademark application…
What is an After-Final Response?
What is an after-final response? An after-final response refers to a reply to a Final Office Action that is filed without a Request for Continued…
How to Defend a Trademark Opposition
How to defend your trademark A trademark opposition is essentially a battle to block the registration of a trademark. If your trademark application had been…
PCT National Phase: What You Need To Know About National Stage Into Foreign Countries
What is the PCT national phase? A PCT application extends the deadline for filing utility patent applications in both the US and foreign countries. That…
What do TM and Circle R (®) symbols mean?
What does the TM symbol mean? The TM symbol placed next to a mark is meant to put the public on notice that the owner…
How to Protest a Trademark Application
What is a letter of protest against a trademark application? Third parties may challenge a pending trademark application by submitting a letter of protest to…
How to Oppose a Trademark Application
When is the right time to oppose a trademark application? Before you can oppose a trademark application, the mark must first receive preliminary approval. A…
When is a trademark Power of Attorney required?
What is a trademark Power of Attorney? A trademark Power of Attorney (POA) is required in a trademark application under certain circumstances as discussed below.…
Micro Entity Status: What is our firm’s policy?
Why does micro entity status matter? USPTO patent fees are generally proportionate to the size of the applicant. A large entity with over 500 employees…
Why combine multiple inventions into a single utility patent application?
If you have multiple inventions related to a main idea or product, when does it make sense to combine them into a single utility patent…
Ready to Slay Goliath?
Not sure where to start? Email US patent attorney Vic Lin at vlin@icaplaw.com.