Patents
Patents are critical for protecting inventions and designs. Learn how and when to file one, read success stories from fellow inventors, and more.
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Use a Bill of Materials to Plan Your Patent Submission
If your business is involved in manufacturing or production, it's likely you already have a document that will make submitting a patent much, much easier. Find out how a BOM can help with the process.
· 3 min read
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Joint Ownership of Patents: A to Z
An invention's patent is considered personal property. Under patent law, each co-inventor named on a patent application owns that property. In the absence of any agreement, each co-inventor owns 100 percent of the patent, regardless of how much each individual contributed to the invention. Patent law gives co-owners of a patent the right to make, use, license, sell and import the patented invention within the U.S. in whatever way they please, without the consent of the other co-owners.
· 3 min read
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Patent Squatters: Is It Possible to Patent an Invention that Everyone's Been Using for Years?
Can you patent a new product that stems from an old favorite?
· 5 min read
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Disabled Inventors: Necessity Is the Mother of Invention
Inventors are known to tackle problems they encounter in their everyday lives. For disabled inventors solving these problems can have a life-changing impact, not just for themselves, but others who can benefit from their ingenuity.
· 2 min read
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Honoring George Washington Carver
George Washington Carver rose from slavery to become one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century.
· 4 min read
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How to Talk About Your Nonpatented Invention Without Having Your Idea Stolen
Until you've filed your application with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, you should be extra careful about who you talk to and how you share your ideas.
· 4 min read
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Get the Most from Your Provisional Application for Patent
You've got an invention, but what an ordeal just to get it to 'patent pending' status. The reality is, filing a provisional application for patent is not as confusing or as intimidating as people think—especially if you know what to expect.
· 5 min read
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Can You Patent Your Mobile App?
Protect your intellectual property by applying for a patent at the right time and with the right details about your unique app.
· 3 min read
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Beware the Patent Troll
Patent trolls make money by buying and attempting to enforce patents, but there are ways to protect yourself.
· 3 min read
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What Can You Patent
Not every idea you have can be protected with a patent. The United States Patent and Trademark Office has strict rules for what can be patented. Find out more.
· 4 min read
