Means plus function claims
Means plus function claims, described in 35 USC 112(f), are a tricky area of patent law. Unlike more commonly used “structural” claims, … Read more
Patents
Utility patents
Utility patents are the best way to protect most inventions. But to get one, you have to convince a USPTO examiner that your … Read more
Provisional patent applications
Provisional patents, when correctly used, can be used to both quickly and inexpensively attempt to establish that an inventor was first to file. But there can be downsides to taking shortcuts here.
Patents and printed matter
Printed matter (text, symbols, images) usually falls under copyright law and not patent law. The exception — when the printed matter improves … Read more
International patents
The International patent process can start with just a provisional patent, but you must do further steps within 12 months, and more steps by 30 months.
Amazon and IP disputes
Amazon.com is big enough to run its own streamlined IP dispute system. It resolves most trademark disputes with its Amazon Brand registry … Read more