Search the Trademark Before Using it 6.7 Million trademarks applications have been filed at the USPTO. Avoid using a name that is descriptive or already registered. Pick a Creative Trademark Focus on picking a trademark that is a reflection of your brand, culture, or values. The trademark database is likely to show that trademarks such…
What is a copyright? Copyrights protect original works of art. This includes architectural drawings, photographs, books, songs, movies, software codes, etc. Copyrights give their owner the exclusive right to reproduce and profit off the underlying work. “Creators are not required to register their original creative work before copyright exists because rights exist automatically when the…
As businesses begin to reopen or resume operations, some stakeholders will continue to require relief, particularly small businesses and individuals. Under the CARES Act authority and its existing authority in Trademark and TTAB matters, the USPTO will direct relief to those who need it on a case-by-case basis, as described below. Applicants who were unable…
The Patent Attorney would require a complete disclosure of your invention. This can include sketches, write-ups, photos, drawings, etc. Provide all of the information in an organized format and be prepared to discuss all aspects of the disclosure. Answers to the following questions can be prepared before a phone or office consultation with your patent…
source: USPT.GOV The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today published a report authored by its Chief Economist titled, Adjusting to Alice: USPTO patent examination outcomes after Alice Corp v. CLS Bank International. The report highlights how recent actions undertaken by the USPTO have brought greater predictability and certainty to the determination of patent…
The United States Code provides that the owners of all utility and reissue utility patents filed on or after December 12, 1980 must pay maintenance fees to keep the patents. Maintenance fees are not required for design, plant patent, or statutory invention registrations. Maintenance fees and any necessary surcharges may be paid by the patentee…
The Difference Between Copyright and Patent. Patents refer to an invention, whereas copyrights refer to the expression of an idea, such as an artistic work. They are governed by different rules, so it is important to know which is applicable to your works.
There are various types of patents that inventors should be aware: UTILITY PATENTS There are two types of utility and plant patent applications: provisional and nonprovisional. A provisional application is a quick and inexpensive way for inventors to establish a U.S. filing date for their invention, which can be claimed in a later-filed nonprovisional application….
What is Fair use of a Copyright? Fair use is a legal doctrine that promotes freedom of expression by permitting the unlicensed use of copyright-protected works in certain circumstances. Section 107 of the Copyright Act provides the statutory framework for determining whether something is a fair use and identifies certain types of uses—such as criticism, comment, news…
