Woodworking is an ancient craft that has stood the test of time, continually evolving and adapting to the ever-changing demands of society. From exquisite furniture pieces to intricate carvings, it is a testament to human ingenuity and creativity. But what truly sets woodworking apart is the wealth of knowledge and expertise shared amongst its practitioners throughout history. In this blog article, we delve into the fascinating world of woodworking patents, exploring how they have shaped the craft and influenced generations of woodworkers. Whether you’re a seasoned craftsman or a passionate be ..read more

For inventors and companies seeking patent protection, the patent application process can be long and arduous. Patent applications are often rejected by a patent examiner. When an agreement with the examiner cannot be reached, applicants have the option to appeal the rejection to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). The PTAB is an administrative law body within the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that reviews adverse decisions of examiners. Filing an Appeal with the PTAB To initiate an appeal, the applicant files a Notice of Appeal. This must be done within the time limit set by th ..read more

Patents and trademarks are two forms of intellectual property protection, but they serve different purposes. Here’s an overview of how patent protection and trademark protection differ: What is a Patent? A patent provides its owner with the legal right to prevent others from making, using, selling or importing an invention for a limited period of time, usually 20 years from the patent filing date. Patents protect functional products and processes. To be eligible for a patent, an invention must be novel, non-obvious and useful. Patents give inventors exclusive rights over their inventions. Some ..read more

Trade dress and product configuration applications are complex legal strategies that give businesses a competitive edge in the marketplace. This legal protection can be particularly beneficial for businesses looking to establish their unique brand identity and prevent competitors from copying their product designs. However, navigating the intricacies of trade dress and product configuration applications can be overwhelming and time-consuming, requiring an in-depth understanding of intellectual property law. In this article, we will explore the complexities of trade dress and product configurat ..read more

Patent drafting is a critical process that involves creating a written document that describes an invention and lays out the grounds for obtaining patent protection. Here are some key points to keep in mind when drafting a patent application: Start by understanding what type of patent protection you need. There are three types of patents – utility patents (for new machines), design patents (for ornamental designs), and plant patents (for newly discovered plants). Each requires a slightly different approach to drafting a patent application. Identify the features of your invention that you wan ..read more

When you think of trademarks, you may think of brand names, logos, and slogans. However, there is another type of trademark that is becoming increasingly important in the world of e-commerce: product configuration trademarks. Product configuration trademarks protect the unique configuration or design of a product, rather than the brand name or logo. This can include the shape, color, size, or packaging of the product. For example, the Coca-Cola bottle is a famous example of a product configuration trademark. The purpose of a product configuration trademark is to prevent competitors from creati ..read more

Starting up a business can be a daunting process with many unknowns. It is important to understand your legal protections and options, especially when it comes to intellectual property. Patent attorneys can be an invaluable asset in the startup ecosystem, offering expertise and advice for navigating the complex and often confusing world of intellectual property law. In this blog, we explore the role of patent attorneys in the startup ecosystem and how they can help business owners protect their inventions and secure investments. Many startups are based on innovative products or technologies th ..read more

Third-party pre-issuance submissions are a relatively new process that allows third parties to submit prior art to the USPTO during the examination of a patent application. This can be a helpful way to ensure that the examiner has all the relevant information before making a decision on whether to grant a patent. To file a third-party pre-issuance submission, you must first identify any prior art that you believe is relevant to the patent application. You can do this by searching the USPTO’s patent database, or by retaining a third party company to perform a patent search. After you have ident ..read more

Patent applications are critical to innovation and intellectual property protection, yet they can often be expensive, complex, and time-consuming to process. Fortunately, there is an increasingly popular alternative: the Design Patent Rocket Docket. This docket can dramatically reduce the time it takes to process a design patent application, making it easier for inventors to protect their valuable intellectual property. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of the Design Patent Rocket Docket, what it entails, and how it can be used to benefit innovative inventors. Design patents are be ..read more

The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises to revolutionize the way we work, live and interact with the world around us. AI technology has the potential to drastically reduce the time, effort and cost associated with invention. This article will explore the implications of AI inventorship, and discuss its potential benefits to inventors and the world at large. By recognizing the potential of AI-assisted inventorship, we can ensure that the technology is used responsibly and with a thoughtful and informed approach. In recent years, machine learning has made incredible strides, and AI i ..read more