Category: Patent Process
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Types of Patents
What are the different types of patents? Patents have been the bedrock of innovation, powering the innovations of our early republic, through the Industrial Revolution and patents continue to play a big role in today’s…
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How long do patents last?
Updated 19 July 2021. How long do US patents last? Different types of patents have different lifespans. All of the answers below are for United States (US) patents. When most people think of patents, they…
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I’m A Recovering Patent Attorney
What is Really Wrong with the Patent System I am a “recovering patent attorney.” I became a patent attorney after years as an engineer. I went to a patent attorney and I expected my patent…
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Inhouse vs Outside Patent Counsel
There are Two Types of Lawyers There are two types of patent lawyers: outside counsel and inhouse counsel. Each type of lawyer plays a completely different role, and the two types are at a constant…
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How to Spot Bad Patents
Investment-Grade Patent[1][2]s represent only a small sliver of the patent universe. Their value comes from a huge amount of research and thought. However, bad patents are easy to spot. These less-than-optimal patents have certain characteristics…
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Webinar: IP Due Diligence in Two Questions
There are two questions to ask every time you are dealing with patents: Can you tell if someone infringes? How hard is it to design around your patent? With these two questions, you are 90%…
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The Light Bulb is the Worst Symbol of Invention
Invention is the heavy lifting of 1000’s of failed experiments, not a grand vision that pops into someone’s head. The light bulb is the universal symbol of “invention.” It is the worst – and best…
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Patents in a Business Context
Photo by jesse orrico on Unsplash Why patents as a “lottery ticket” is a losing proposition. A business owner makes hard business decisions, especially when it comes to IP. There is only so much money…
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Terminal Disclaimers – One for the Price of Two
Terminal disclaimers are costly for the client – but an easy money maker for patent attorneys. Terminal disclaimers are where you pay twice to get the same thing. They are a money maker for the…
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Is Your Patent Examiner Awful? One of the Patent Myths
The Myth that the Patent Examiner does not understand your invention. One of the myths that is perpetuated by the patent bar is that the examiners somehow do not understand your invention. The truth is…