Patent Applications

What is the purpose of utility patent drawings? We all (should) know that the figures, i.e., patent drawings, do not define the claimed invention in…

Thinking like a patent examiner We are privileged to have a former USPTO patent examiner, Lyman Smith, as Of Counsel patent attorney to our firm.…

Will you get a prior art search in your PCT patent application? Yes, a prior art patent search is typically made in each PCT application.…

Same patent by others in different country? If an earlier applicant obtains a patent first in their own country, can others subsequently patent the same…

Prior art cited in patent Office Action When prior art is cited in an Office Action to reject your claims, the typical reaction of applicants…

What is a patent publication? A patent publication is a published utility patent application which is not the same thing as a patent. While a…

Can a patent be renewed? No, you cannot renew a patent in the US. Technically speaking, US utility patents are maintained, not renewed. The connotation…

A Problem The journey to a granted patent starts with a problem. You search for a satisfactory solution, but can’t find any. Others may have…

What is the average utility patent success rate? It is no surprise that utility patents are substantially harder to obtain than design patents. What may…

How much does it cost to get a patent? A one-size-fits-all patent does not exist. Patents vary widely. Design patents, for example, are more predictable…

What is the meaning of public disclosure of an invention? Patents are time-sensitive. Those desiring patent protection do not have the luxury of waiting indefinitely…

Why do priority claims matter for patents? Patenting is about winning the race to the Patent Office by applying for a protectable invention before others…