File a provisional patent application or use a nondisclosure agreement before talking to anyone about your ideas. Provisional Patent Applications A provisional patent application allows you to file without a formal patent claim, oath or declaration, or any information disclosure (prior art) statement. Since June 8, 1995, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has…
Source: USPTO.GOV Listed below are the stages through which an allowed patent application goes within the PTO. When the examiner allows an application a message concerning the application number is sent to the Office of Data Management. The application is then electronically exported to Initial Data Capture (IDC) for electronic capture of the patent file….
The USPTO fee schedule is subject to change and there is no refund after paying a fee. Certain fees do not apply to design or provisional patent applications. Source: USPTO.GOV Fee Code 37 CFR Description Fee Small Entity Fee Micro Entity Fee Patent Application Filing Fees Back to Top 1011/2011/3011 1.16(a) Basic filing fee – Utility…
Protecting Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Overseas Since the rights granted by a U.S. patent extend only throughout the territory of the United States and have no effect in a foreign country, an inventor who wishes patent protection in other countries must apply for a patent in each of the other countries or in regional patent…
Who May Apply For A Patent According to the law, the inventor, or a person to whom the inventor has assigned or is under an obligation to assign the invention, may apply for a patent, with certain exceptions. If the inventor is deceased, the application may be made by legal representatives, that is, the administrator…
Patent Searches If you are interested in filing a patent application to protect your invention it is always a good idea to first conduct a patent search to help make sure that there are no patented inventions that can be found that are closely similar to your own invention. We can help you if you are…
What is the best way to protect your business ideas? Insure yourself Hire a competent Attorney Protect your files Protect your bottom line All of the Above Start early, keep it simple, and don’t try to hide stuff from your creditors. There’s a gambling saying that goes something like, “If you want to be a…
We are pleased to announce Fraline’s selection to Super Lawyers Rising Star 2016. Fraline has been named a Rising Star in the area of Intellectual Property by Super Lawyers Magazine in 2014, 2015 and again for 2016! The designation of Super Lawyers Rising Star is reserved for the top 2.5% outstanding Illinois attorneys under the…
Source Forbes Magazine As a business grows, pitching becomes increasingly important. As the business seeks investors, new clients, or even new employees, a business owner must repeatedly reveal details about the company to others. Idea theft is an ongoing concern for many of these business owners, who see themselves as having an advantage by being…
A copyright owner has the exclusive rights to use and distribute an original work. These rights are granted for a limited period of time by a designating country. There are specific limitations to the this exclusive use. For example, “fair use” is one defense to unauthorized use of an original work. Copyright laws are limited…
