Category: General IP Management

When you’re growing a company and building something new, patents can feel like one more big, expensive puzzle. You know they matter. You know they protect your hard work. But when it comes to actually planning the cost and timeline—especially for a family filing—things can get confusing fast. How a Family Filing Really Works (and…

Filing a patent isn’t just about locking in your idea—it’s about timing, precision, and what’s already on paper. That’s especially true when you file something called a “Continuation-in-Part,” or CIP. On paper, it sounds like a simple update to an old patent. In practice, it’s one of the trickiest moves a founder or engineer can…

When you file a patent, you’re trying to capture the heart of your invention—the thing that makes it special. But sometimes, your invention doesn’t fit neatly into one box. It might have several ideas that are connected, but not identical. And that’s where things get tricky. Understanding Unity of Invention — Why the Patent Office…

When you’re building something new—something that could change how people live or work—it’s easy to get lost in the tech. You’re writing code, refining models, running tests, making it better every day. But at some point, you stop and think: How do I protect this? When Should You Use a Terminal Disclaimer (and When You…

There’s a quiet move smart founders use to keep their patent power growing long after the first filing. It’s not about filing faster or paying more. It’s about keeping your patent family alive. This move is called the serial continuation play, and it’s how the savviest companies—from deep tech startups to the biggest names in…

When it comes to patents, the real game is in the claims. They define what you actually own. They decide how strong your protection is. They set the boundaries for what others can or can’t do with your idea. But here’s the secret that most founders and engineers never learn early enough: your first patent…

When you file your first patent application, the clock starts ticking. That date—the day you file—is called your priority date. It’s more than just a timestamp. It’s your legal “first claim” to the invention. Every improvement, tweak, or new version that follows can trace back to that moment. But only if you do it right.…

When your patent hits a wall at the USPTO, it can feel like you’re stuck. You’ve invested months—maybe years—turning your invention into something real. You’ve filed your application. You’ve gone back and forth with the examiner. And now you’re staring at a tough decision: do you file a Continuation or a Request for Continued Examination…

Sometimes, your invention keeps evolving. You file a patent, but a few months later, you make it better, faster, or smarter. Now you’re stuck wondering—what happens if your new version isn’t exactly the same as what you first filed? Do you have to start all over again? Or can you build on what’s already been…

If you’ve ever filed a patent and got hit with a “restriction requirement,” you know that feeling. The examiner basically says, “Your application covers too many inventions—pick one.” Suddenly, you have to make a choice that could shape your entire IP strategy. And that’s where divisional applications come into play. How to Plan Your Divisional…