Category: Patent

Inventors must choose between trade secret protection and patent filing carefully. Here’s how keeping a trade secret affects patent applications and prior art.

U.S. patent law requires a human inventor, making AI-generated inventions unpatentable on their own. Here’s how the law handles AI-assisted and AI-created inventions.

The written description requirement demands that a patent application fully describe the claimed invention. Here’s what it requires and why applications fail this test.

A double patenting rejection prevents inventors from extending patent term by filing duplicate claims. Here’s how to respond and what options are available.

Patent costs vary by invention type, attorney fees, and USPTO filing fees. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you should expect to spend from filing through grant.

A patent notice of allowance means the USPTO has approved your application. Here’s what it means, what fees are due, and the next steps before your patent issues.

The USPTO’s EFS-Web system allows inventors to file and manage patent applications online. Here’s how to get started with the online patent application process.

Patent assignor estoppel prevents inventors who assign their patents from later challenging those patents’ validity. Here’s how the doctrine works and its limits.

Trademarks, patents, and copyrights protect different types of intellectual property. Here’s a plain-language breakdown of each and when your business needs them.

Effectively engaging with your USPTO patent examiner can speed prosecution and improve claim scope. Here’s what small businesses need to know about the process.