Category: Patent

A provisional patent secures a filing date without formal claims, while a non-provisional starts full examination. Here’s how to decide which to file first.

A freedom to operate analysis determines whether your product or process infringes existing patents. Here’s what an FTO search covers and when you need one.

A double patenting rejection prevents duplicate patents on the same invention. Here’s what triggers this rejection and how continuation practice is affected.

The Patent Prosecution Highway lets applicants fast-track examination based on a foreign office’s allowance. Here’s how to use PPH to accelerate your U.S. patent.

A Request for Continued Examination (RCE) allows prosecution to continue after a final rejection. Here’s when to file one, what it costs, and its strategic value.

The first sale doctrine limits trademark and copyright owners’ control over goods after an authorized sale. Here’s how it works and when it applies.

An implied patent license may arise from conduct, equitable estoppel, or a related patent sale. Here’s how courts find implied licenses and what they cover.

Landmark patent cases from the 21st century have reshaped patent eligibility, infringement standards, and claim construction. Here are the most significant rulings.

An inter partes review lets third parties challenge patent validity before the USPTO. Here’s what an IPR covers, when to file, and what outcomes are possible.

A patent’s filing date and priority date are often different and both matter for validity. Here’s what each date means and how they affect your patent rights.