Category: Patent

Design patents protect ornamental appearance; utility patents protect functional inventions. Here’s how they differ in scope, cost, term, and enforcement strategy.

Correctly identifying inventors on a patent application is a legal requirement. Here’s what inventorship means, who qualifies, and what happens when it’s listed wrong.

Continuation patents let you pursue additional claims based on a pending application. Here’s when and why to include continuations in your patent portfolio strategy.

Independent claims stand alone; dependent claims build on others for narrower protection. Here’s how to use both strategically to maximize your patent coverage.

Continuation-in-part applications add new matter but create complex priority date issues. Here’s why most patent attorneys advise against filing them.

The America Invents Act shifted the U.S. to a first-to-file patent system in 2013. Here’s the history of the change and what it means for inventors today.

An invention must be novel to receive a patent — meaning no prior art can disclose the same invention. Here’s how the novelty requirement works under U.S. law.

35 USC 271 defines patent infringement under U.S. law, covering direct, indirect, and contributory infringement. Here’s what each type means for patent owners.

Design patents protect the ornamental appearance of a product. Here’s a step-by-step guide to filing a design patent application with the USPTO.

Micro entities and small entities pay reduced USPTO fees, but the eligibility requirements differ. Here’s how to determine which status applies to your application.