Many inventors believe that building a working prototype is the first step toward protecting and commercializing their invention. While a prototype can be extremely helpful, it is not always necessary—and it certainly doesn’t have to be perfect. Understanding when and why to build one can save you time, money, and frustration. Is a Prototype Required for a Patent Application? In … Read More
Do I Really Need a Patent?
For many independent inventors, one of the first questions that comes up after a flash of inspiration is simple but important: Do I really need a patent? The answer depends on what your goals are, what kind of invention you’ve developed, and how you plan to bring it to market. Patents are valuable tools, but they’re not always necessary. Understanding … Read More
The Importance of a Thorough Invention Disclosure
Every successful patent application begins long before the first claim is written or the filing is made with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). It begins with something much more fundamental — the invention disclosure. A well-prepared invention disclosure is the cornerstone of a strong patent application. Providing details makes the difference between a robust, enforceable patent and … 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
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
Patent Searching Using the Lens
As I have written on earlier occasions, performing a patent search is a great way for inventors to get a feel for what’s out in the world of prior art before navigating the unknown and often perilous waters of the United States patent system. I encourage inventors to perform their own preliminary patent searches, as it is a great way … 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
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
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