The “Guarantee” of Obtaining a Patent
Many clients express a desire to “guarantee” obtaining a patent on their idea or invention. However, the expectation of guaranteeing a patent is unrealistic. If a patent attorney or agent, or patent expert or consultant, or prior art searcher offers this, then tread with caution.
Video: Inside the Patent Process
Recently I was given the opportunity to share some patent examining wisdom during a monthly gathering of local small business owners including: expectations during the patent process, pitfalls to avoid and lessons learned, the importance of filing for patent protection, who should or should not file for a patent, and more …
Why does it take so long to receive a patent?
On average one can expect to receive a patent 1.5–2 years after filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
The USPTO Patent Search Strategy: Step 6— Expand Your Search
Last step … go beyond the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. And that involves more than just a “Google search” … broaden your search with foreign patents, non-patent literature and/or a patent professional’s search.
The USPTO Patent Search Strategy: Step 5— Citation References
Why not enlist the help of others that have already done the work to help you along in your search for prior art?
The USPTO Patent Search Strategy: Step 4— Classification Search
Expand the prior art search with relevant Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) assignments.
The USPTO Patent Search Strategy: Step 3— Patent Literature Review
So you feel pretty good about your keyword search results and you are ready to investigate just how closely (or not) the patents you have uncovered match your invention.
Difference between a Patent Search and a Prior Art Search
The term “patent search” can be both misleading and very limiting when it comes to researching whether or not an idea or invention may be patentable.
The USPTO Patent Search Strategy: Step 2 — Keyword Searching
Step 2 of the USPTO Patent Search Strategy is as follows: conduct a keyword search using Patent Public Search.
The USPTO Patent Search Strategy: Step 1 — Brainstorming
This is a shallow dive into the first step of the six that the USPTO recommends in how to undertake a successful prior art search.
The USPTO Patent Search Strategy: An Introduction
So you have an idea that you believe is worth patenting. Fantastic. What are your next steps?
Pro Se Assistance through the USPTO
The United States Patent and Trademark Office, otherwise known as the USPTO, is the end-all-be-all of granting patents and trademarks.