Tag: Patent Basics

If you’re a founder, engineer, or inventor, getting a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent Office is a big moment. It means your patent application has been reviewed and approved. The examiner liked what you submitted. They’ve said, “Yep, this looks good. We’re ready to move forward.” What does a Notice of Allowance actually…

Getting a Final Office Action from the USPTO can feel like hitting a wall. You’ve already put in effort, answered questions, made changes, and now the examiner says it’s final. It sounds like a rejection. It sounds like a dead end. But here’s the truth: it’s not the end, and you don’t have to start…

You’ve filed a patent. You’re building something real. Now the patent examiner has questions. Maybe they’ve sent you an Office Action. Maybe your application hit a wall. This is the moment most founders freeze. But there’s a move many skip. A quiet superpower. It’s called a patent interview. What Is a Patent Interview, Really? Think…

You’ve done the hard part. You built something real. Something worth protecting. You filed your patent. That should be the moment you breathe easy, right? But now, it feels like everything has slowed to a crawl. The Truth About Patent Timelines The Clock Starts the Moment You File When you file your patent, you’re technically…

You’re building fast. You’ve got traction. Maybe you’re even talking to investors or landing your first big customer. The last thing you want is your patent stuck in slow motion. But that’s exactly what happens to most startups. They file a patent the traditional way—and wait. And wait. And wait. Years go by. Nothing moves.…

So, you’ve filed a patent application. Great move. You’ve taken the first real step toward protecting your invention. But now you’re in a holding pattern. The patent office is reviewing things, and it can take months—or even years—before you hear back. Making the Wait Work for You Why This Waiting Time Matters More Than You…

You already filed your patent. Maybe it’s pending, maybe it’s granted. But now you’re wondering: Should you file something more? Maybe a continuation? Maybe a divisional? You’re not alone. A lot of smart founders and inventors have this same question. And the answer could be the difference between locking in strong protection—or leaving your idea…

You’ve filed your patent application. You finally took the step. You described your invention. You hit submit. You’re now officially patent-pending. But then something weird happens. You see a similar product show up online. What “Patent Pending” Really Means (And What It Doesn’t) It’s Not Just a Legal Term. It’s a Business Signal. When people…

Let’s say you’ve built something new. Something powerful. Maybe it’s a unique software process, a smart piece of hardware, or a clever system that solves a big problem. You’re moving fast, building the next big thing—and you know it’s valuable. What You Actually Own Before a Patent Is Granted The Power of a Patent Application…

You’ve built something new. Something that solves a real problem. Maybe it’s a piece of code, a new kind of hardware, or a clever system that changes how things work. You file a patent application to protect it. And then… silence. But behind the scenes, a timer starts ticking. Fast forward 18 months, and suddenly,…