In intellectual property, patents stand as a cornerstone, offering inventors and businesses the exclusive right to make, use, sell, and distribute their inventions for a limited period. Typically, this exclusivity extends for 20 years from the filing date of the patent application, ensuring that the patent owner can reap the rewards of their innovation without fear of unauthorized use. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) plays a crucial role in the granting of patents, which cover a broad spectrum of innovations, including processes, machines, articles of manufacture, composi ..read more

A trademark is a valuable asset in protecting your business identity, goods, and services. Trademark registration is often the first step toward protecting this crucial intellectual property. However, registering marks is not a ‘set it and forget it’ type of deal. To fully protect your brand, you need a robust trademark monitoring plan. Importance of Trademark Monitoring Components of a DIY Trademark Monitoring Plan Best Practices Follow Your DIY Trademark Monitoring Plan References Importance of Trademark Monitoring Trademark monitoring involves a systematic approach to keeping an eye on si ..read more

The history of slot machines, deeply intertwined with the fabric of Las Vegas’s gaming culture, presents a fascinating journey of innovation, technology, and intellectual property. As a law firm specializing in intellectual property and known for our flat fee patent services, this article delves into the origins of slot machines, tracing the significant patents and technological strides that have shaped their evolution and the very nature of gaming in Las Vegas. Slot machines, from their inception, have been a symbol of chance and excitement. Their evolution reflects not just advancements in t ..read more

As an inventor, you should always consider protecting your inventions from would-be copiers. Patent rights ensure that you retain a legal claim to your creations. Once you acquire a patent, you can profit from your ideas for as long as 20 years from the date of filing while keeping your competitors at bay. However, obtaining a patent requires legal knowledge and detailed research that an inventor may lack. You will need the help of a patent attorney to acquire and enforce your patent. Therefore, what can you expect when you add a patent attorney to your team?  1- Draft of Patent Applicati ..read more

Local News Story – KELOLAND News caught up with local inventor Ron Heiman to learn about a unique and innovative can cooler.   “We tried all sorts of things I probably have about 300 different changes in my design. And we just kept working and working and we finally came up with a really good useful design.” – Ron Heiman, Arctic Sombrero   Company Overview The Arctic Sombrero is a unique and innovative can cooler designed specifically for beer lovers. Business Need Developed by a man from South Dakota, this can cooler is perfect for keeping your favorite beers cold and refreshing in ..read more

Who owns the Juneteenth trademark? Can you trademark a holiday? These questions have become increasingly relevant in recent years, as the importance of Juneteenth in American history and culture has grown. The celebration of Juneteenth has deep roots in the African American community asnd is a symbol of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for equality. But the question remains: who has the right to own the name and profit from the holiday’s commercialization? Contents: The Juneteenth Trademark Controversy Trademarking a Holiday: Legal Aspects The Walmart Juneteenth Situation Public ..read more

“I have been awarded a patent. Do I need to do anything else?” An awarded utility patent must be kept in good standing by paying maintenance fees at 3.5 years, 7.5 years, and 11.5 years after issuance. Just as during the patent-pending period, the holder of the patent can sell it, license it or use it for their own purposes. A patent is a property right, in some ways similar to owning anything such as land,  that can be also be transferred to a business created by the inventor and is subject to inheritance laws. Often, if the inventor is going to use the patent to manufacture and sell pro ..read more

I want to add my business partner/friend/cousin/mother as an inventor so they own part of it, can I do that? Generally speaking, the short answer is no, but that is a question we receive frequently, i.e, who owns this thing? The answer, however, comes down to understanding that there is a difference between ownership and inventorship when asserting rights to patent applications and issued patents, and this is an important distinction as it is the owner of the patent itself (which may not necessarily include the inventor) who has the rights to sell, license, and assert any other rights of the p ..read more

Local News Story – KBJR6‘s Dan Wolfe traveled way up north to witness an invention meant to keep wildfires away from a family cabin   “I’ve enjoyed working with Kaufhold & Dix. I chose them because they asked the right questions and had the right answers. The fees and associated services were clear. I am thankful for their guidance and professionalism with my patent application.” – Doug Yates, Cloudburst Fireshield   Company Overview Cloudburst Fireshield is a Duluth, Minnesota-based company specializing in effective and affordable fire prevention systems to protect property fro ..read more

New ideas can be priceless, but their value can hinge on the completion of the patent application process. The roadmap discussed herein will offer some insight into how a person or company obtains the intellectual rights to an innovation. Put simply, learning the steps to obtaining a patent for an idea can be an essential strategy to understand since it will enable prevent losses of potential rights while maximizing the profit from new ideas and concepts. To obtain a patent, it must be first understood that it is not an idea that is protected but an embodiment of that idea that requires the in ..read more