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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Plant Patents: How Has This Altered Farming Practices?
The subject of plant patents may sound niche, but it affects every single one of us and the food we eat.
· 4 min read
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Invention Submission Companies: Scams or Valuable Services?
Many inventors have turned to invention submission companies that promise to evaluate their invention, research the patent, and contact manufacturers. Unfortunately, many of these companies have been under investigation for fraud by the FTC and other government agencies.
· 5 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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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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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 Constitutes Patent Infringement?
Patent litigation can be frightening. Take control of the risk and understand the three things you need to know about patent infringement: basic patent law, the patent in question, and the alleged infringement.
· 3 min read
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The Reality of Protecting Your Company's Secrets
Patents are the building blocks of innovation. But there are a lot of things a patent can't do.
· 3 min read
