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
Inventing: A Bold Bull Move For Bear Markets
Sometimes, equity markets just aren’t the place to be. In good times, riding a bull market is as good an investment as can be found. But in uncertain times, investing in the stock market can be much tougher. As I write this, the U.S. markets went on one of the wildest roller coaster rides in recent memory. To follow up on … 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
Patent Searching Using Google Patents
Determining whether an invention has already been patented or disclosed to the public is one of many important steps an inventor should take on the long road to bringing a new product to market. It makes good sense to have, at the very least, a general understanding of what’s out there before diving into the turbid waters of patenting … Read More
An Introduction to Patent Searching
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 has … 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