How Can I Patent Improvements, Changes, or Modifications to My Issued Patent?
00:05 Is there a special process for patenting improvements to my already issued patent? The intent is to extend the patent. Okay, yeah. So you know, a patent is a monopoly. And we'll talk about utility patents for now. So like any monopoly, any patent monopoly, they're not forever. So if this is the […]
Design Patent or Utility Patent?: The Difference Between These Two Types of Patents
00:05 versus what it's worth the different types of two main types of patents are, there are design patents, which protect the look of an invention. And then there are utility patents, which protect the function. So all inventions have a certain look. And you can protect that with a design pattern. And that […]
Can Anyone Steal My Invention Idea Even After I File a Patent Application?
00:07 Once I've submitted a patent application, at this point, can anyone steal my idea if it's patentable? 00:15 So the—once you submit your patent, you are patent pending, and you have a secure filing date at the Patent Office. At that point, can anybody start selling the product? Yes, because the patent itself […]
If I Hire a Patent Illustrator to Create Drawings, Should They Sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement NDA?
00:03 If I hire a patent-drawing artist, should I have him sign a nondisclosure agreement beforehand? So yes, but remember the worries, the problems with a nondisclosure agreement. So, if this illustrator signs it, and he doesn't steal your idea himself, but leaks the idea to a third party, then you have that risk […]
What Are the Requirements for Getting a Patent? How Do I Know if My Invention is Patentable?
00:05 What conditions or requirements need to be met in order to obtain a patent protection? 00:11 So, your idea has to meet three standards: it has to be new, it has to be non obvious, and it has to be useful. So, new is pretty straightforward. You can't—you have to be the inventor, […]
How Long Does My Patent Protection Last? Does a Patent Ever Expire?
00:06 How long does a patent last? So, there's two types of patents. There's design patents, which protect the look of an idea. And then there's utility patents that protect the unique function, and what an idea does. So design patents are common for like, in the fashion industry, you might have an earring. […]
Can I File My Own Patent Application Without a Lawyer?
00:05 Debra asks, “I have started the application for a patent, and of course, everyone says I can't do it on my own. I have completed half of the process. So, do you think I can be successful?” So there's the—in the different areas of intellectual property, you have patents, you have trademarks, you […]
Does a Non-Disclosure Agreement or NDA Protect My Invention Idea if I Want to Share or Sell It?
00:04 Is there any way to sell an idea or invention without a patent? There, there's a lot of talk and you'll find a lot of stuff online about having people sign a nondisclosure agreement, and then disclosing your idea under that. The problem is that it's extremely risky because a nondisclosure or confidentiality […]
Can I Refile a Provisional Patent Application After It Expires? Can a Provisional Be Filed Twice?
00:06 If the patent application did not have a favorable decision the first time, can it be refiled to obtain a patent? Yes. But it's not really refiled. And, you know, most patents, this is called prosecution. Most patents, once you file the application, it's assigned to an examiner, and the examiner reviews it. […]
How Can I Do My Own Patent Search or Research on My Invention Idea?
00:06 Can I do my own patent research? I would have to say it depends. I absolutely would recommend, before you do your research, going to trade shows and physical store locations. Like, say you have a new fishing lure or fishing related idea. Absolutely go to Bass Pro shops, for example, where you […]
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