Whether you’re a seasoned inventor or are attempting to patent your first invention, performing a patent search is a logical first step. It only makes sense to learn and understand what’s out there before embarking on the long, expensive and frustrating voyage of obtaining patents in the United States and abroad. And with today’s internet, accessing relevant patent information … Read More
Celebrating Independence
The Thornton Firm celebrates 239 years of American independence and the opportunities it has provided for millions of people from all walks of life. We wish you and yours an exciting, creative and safe holiday weekend. For most, the Fourth of July holiday is a time for family, fun and fireworks. For some, it is a time to reflect on … Read More
The Clock is Ticking in a First to File World
In March of 2013, the United States transitioned from being a “First to Invent” to a “First to File” system. Prior to this change, patents were granted to the person who could demonstrate that he or she conceived of the invention first. Under the current “First-to-File” system, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issues patents to the first person … Read More
The U.S. Patent System Turns 225
Today marks the two hundred and twenty-fifth birthday of the U.S. Patent system. The founders of the United States envisioned a system that would establish and enforce property rights in works of authorship and inventions for a limited time in contrast to the chartered monopolies of Europe. Unique in nature, the United States patent system would be established through constitutional and statutory authority. It … Read More
U.S. Patent Number 9,000,000
Today, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued the nine millionth United States utility patent to Matthew Carroll of Jupiter, Florida. The invention is directed to a system and method of collecting and conditioning rainwater and other moisture, such as dew, from the windshield of a vehicle and utilizing the collected fluid to replenish the fluids in the windshield washer … Read More
Getting Dialed In
The Thornton Firm has been up and running for over a week. Launching a business is no easy feat, and keeping things moving forward will most likely involve plenty of challenges in the coming months. The good news is that the groundwork is pretty much in place. We’re still working out a few glitches here and there, but things are slowly … Read More
Congratulations to Michelle Lee
On Monday March 9th, The United States Senate confirmed Michelle Lee as the new director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. She is the first woman to hold this position, and has a resume any patent attorney would love to have. Her background is in electrical engineering and computer science, holding both undergraduate and graduate degrees from M.I.T.. … Read More
A Tribute To The Past
Part of this firm’s motto is “honoring tradition and the spirit of innovation.” Personally, I couldn’t think of a better way to honor tradition than to decorate this website with illustrations from long expired U.S. patents. Some drawings you may recognize. Others are more obscure. Nevertheless, each illustration reflects back to a time when patent drawings were painstakingly hand drafted. Many contemporaries consider … Read More
A Work In Progress
As the launch day of The Thornton Firm’s website draws closer, I must note that this is only the beginning. Content (both visual and substantive) will be added as I teach myself and learn more and more about WordPress design. While the theme I purchased is highly customizable, it did not come with idiot proof instructions or guidelines. So far, I’m happy … Read More
A Farewell to Radio Shack
Having learned yesterday that Radio Shack had been delisted from the New York Stock Exchange, many fond memories resurfaced. When I was a kid, there was no place more exciting to go and visit than a Radio Shack. It was truly a cutting edge institution with every high-tech gizmo and gadget a youngster could want. I remember my first pair … Read More