Posts
Do trade secrets expire?
Since there is no legal way to register or claim a trade secret as part of your business, there is no way for the trade secret to expire. However, in regard to protecting your trade secrets, there are many types of contracts and documents that can be used and those may have expiration limitations. For…
What is the difference between a trademark and a service mark?
Your company builds its brand from identifiable items: logos, sounds, words, color schemes, and/or devices. When you have established such an item as unique to the promotion or identification of your brand, you will want to secure it from use by others. When you register for sole use of a branded item, you are registering…
When do I renew a trademark?
The purpose of trademarking your property is to protect it from unauthorized use by another party. Trademarks are not unlimited and they will expire after a certain period of time. Therefore, it is important to have a good grasp on when your trademarks expire and how you can renew a trademark. California trademark attorneys know…
Conducting a Worldwide Patent Search
One of the most frustrating parts of applying for a patent is finding out your application is rejected because the invention is already patented. By conducting proper searches ahead of filing your application, you can avoid this hassle, and the same applies to international patents. Conducting a worldwide patent search can be simple, but a…
How Often Do I Have to Renew My Patent?
When initially filing your patent you should be prepared to have only the standard 20-year protection offered by a U.S. patent. There are very few cases in which a patent renewal is granted, and these cases must be validated by a special act of Congress. These 3 cases mostly involve the U.S. Patent and Trademark…
The Pros and Cons of Invention Promotion Companies
Many companies exist in the business world that make their living through helping inventors obtain and license patents on their inventions. These invention promotion companies offer a seemingly fantastic list of services provided to inventors for a fee. The services of California patent attorneys are almost always safer for inventors, as attorneys risk losing their…
What to Do When Your Patent Application Has Been Rejected
There are many reasons for patent rejection and in some cases it’s a simple matter of requiring more documentation or a better explanation of your work. However, there may be more complex matters causing your patent rejection that require the help of a California patent attorney. Patent Rejection and Patent Appeals When faced with a…
Understanding the International Patent Cooperation Treaty
When applying locally for a patent you are given protection in the Contracting State in which the patent is approved. The protection afforded by your patent is valid in that Contracting State only, leaving your intellectual property vulnerable to unauthorized use in other countries. The International Patent Cooperation Treaty was created to provide patent protection…
U.S. Patent Laws and Statutes
Under U.S. patent law, a patent gives you the sole property rights to make, use, or sell an invention. This applies to all businesses, entities, and individuals who receive patents nationwide. The purpose of this is to prevent anyone from infringing on the rights to your property. While these rights may be considered a monopoly…
How to License a Patent for the Marketplace
Holding the patent on a highly sought-after invention or process can be a gold mine for successful inventors. However, a patent won’t generate any wealth for you without proper patent licensing to a manufacturer or business. The Patent Licensing Process The first step in patent licensing is to obtain the initial patent. This is a…