Cleveland Patent Attorneys & Lawyers

Updated October 28, 2020:

Utility Patent Example: What Is It?

Utility patent examples can be helpful tools for completing either a non-provisional or a provisional patent application. There are many of both types of patent application templates available online for public use.

A utility patent protects an inventor's intellectual property. It is the most common type of patent issued. It protects the way an invention works. Anyone who creates an entirely new machine, process, chemical compound, manufactured product, material composition, or method can apply for a utility patent. The United States Patent and

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The life of a patent is full of questions and concerns, especially when you’re wondering, “How long does a patent last?” As an inventor, protecting your work with a patent can seem daunting and complex, leading to many questions around usage rights, licensing, and ultimately, how long your patent will last and can be used.

For those of us based in Los Angeles, the need to understand the legal regulations surrounding patents can become even more pressing. It pays to have an attorney who’s familiar with the local jurisdiction when it comes to filing, protecting, and using patents legally and effectively. Here, we tackle the question of how long a patent lasts in Los Angeles, and all the different considerations and complexities that come with it.

How long are patents valid for?

A U.S. patent expires after 20 years from the date of filing the patent. This is one of the key determinants of how long a patent lasts in Los Angeles or anywhere else in the U.S. However, tha

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Updated July 13, 2020:

What Is an Ornamental Design Patent?

An ornamental design patent protects the design of a manufactured object. It is different from a utility patent. A utility patent protects the function and operation of an item. An ornamental design patent only covers the appearance of the product.

"Ornamental" in this case means the visual appearance of a product. This is further explained in the Manual of Patent Examination Procedure. It's defined as "the appearance presented by the article which creates an impression through the eye upon the mind of the observer."

It's important to note the diffe

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Updated November 2, 2020:

What Is an Information Disclosure Statement?

An information disclosure statement (IDS) describes all prior art or related technology claimed in a patent application. It places the burden of disclosure on the inventor or applicant. If an application doesn't have this statement or fails to include key prior art, any issued patent may become invalid or considered fraudulent.

Information Disclosure Statement: What Is It?

Patent applicants have a responsibility to complete an IDS, which references:

• all prior art, or patents
• patent applications, and
• publications related to an invention.

Because inventors are more likely to be aware of

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How Do You Patent a Name?

You may be interested in learning how to patent a name in addition to how to patent an idea, however, you cannot patent a name. Instead, you can trademark it by filing an application online at www.uspto.gov. It takes about 90 minutes, costs range between $275 and $325, and you will need to check the Trademark Electronic Search System to make sure the name is not already taken.

There are certain professions or businesses where the name of the owner becomes the identity of the brand. The business services provided by actors, professional athletes, performers, fashion designers etc. are identified almost exclusively by their names. In this sense, it is important for people in such professions to make sure that their names are protected.

Compared to registering a word, getting a trademark for a name is difficult. You need to prov

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