When drafting a patent application, the best way to protect an invention is to describe alternative embodiments. Alternative embodiments are variations, modifications, or different implementations of the same inventive concept. They expand the scope of protection and make it harder for competitors to design around your invention. Competitors constantly look for ways to “design around” issued patents. Designing around means … Read More
Understanding Design Patents
When people think of patents, they often picture complex machines or breakthrough pharmaceuticals. But not all inventions are about how something works. Sometimes, it’s about how it looks. That’s where design patents come in. Design patents protect the ornamental appearance of a product rather than its structure or function. For many businesses, especially those in consumer products, electronics, or fashion, … Read More
What Is Patentable Subject Matter?
If you’re an inventor or entrepreneur in Las Vegas or anywhere, one of the first questions you may ask is: “Can I even patent my idea?” The answer starts with Section 101 of the Patent Act, which defines the categories of inventions eligible for patent protection in the United States. While other sections of the Patent Act deal with novelty … Read More
Understanding Obviousness In Patent Law
When it comes to patent applications, inventors often focus on novelty. Yes, an invention must be new in order to be granted patent rights. But novelty alone isn’t enough. United States patent law imposes another critical requirement—nonobviousness. Even if an invention has never been seen before, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) can still reject it if the invention … Read More
What Is A Patent Attorney?
Inventors often hear that they should speak with a patent attorney before filing a patent application. But what makes a patent attorney different from another lawyer? What does a patent attorney actually do? When should an inventor contact one? A patent attorney combines legal training with a scientific or technical background. This combination allows the attorney to understand an invention, … Read More
Patent Drawings: Yesterday and Today
When most people think of patent drawings, they picture hand-drawn illustrations from the late 1800s through the early 1900s. Famous drawings include Thomas Edison’s light bulb patent or Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone patent. And while those historic graphics evoke a certain nostalgic feel, the requirements for patent drawings today are very different. For inventors filing with the United States Patent … Read More
Get “Patent Pending” Fast With A Provisional Patent Application
If you’re an inventor, entrepreneur, or small business owner, you might find yourself asking how do I protect my idea?
Top 10 Reasons To File A Provisional Patent Application
Filing a provisional patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) can be a smart first step. As a Las Vegas patent attorney, I regularly help inventors across Southern Nevada and beyond use provisional applications to secure intellectual property rights and confidently move forward with their ideas. Here are 10 reasons why a filing provisional patent application … Read More
Understanding An Inventor’s Duty of Disclosure, Candor and Good Faith
As a patent attorney, I enjoy advising my clients on issues related to their patent applications and issued patents. Most issues I address pertain to the technical and proprietary aspects of their inventions and how to effectively prepare, file and prosecute their patent applications. For an inventor, obtaining a patent is an exciting time. But in the excitement of obtaining … Read More
Ten Things An Inventor Should Do Before Contacting A Patent Attorney
As a patent attorney, I enjoy talking to inventors. I love helping inventors and entrepreneurs secure intellectual property rights in their respective works. A good part of my business involves the cultivation of working relationships with prospective clients. My hope is that they will retain my services in the future. But there are days where I am simply too busy … Read More