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Inside Intellectual Property is a Legal Advantage blog dedicated to sharing IP ideas, tools, techniques and knowledge. Posts are written by experts in the field with insights gained from hands on experience. Learn more about Legal Advantage

Prior Art Search

Fast-Track Patent Processing Coming in May Monday, April 11, 2011
Posted by Legal Advantage

The USPTO announced late last week an accelerated patent processing system that will be officially launched on May 4th. The Fast-track patent processing sytsem called Track One with allow inventor and business to have their patents processed within 12 months. “Track One provides a comprehensive, flexible patent application processing model to our nation’s innovators, offering different processing options that are more responsive to the real-world needs of our applicants,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO David Kappos. “The Three-Track program will bring the most important new products and services to market more quickly, helping to build businesses and create new jobs in America.” The patent application will have to be electronically f ...
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Posted In:[Inventors], [Prior Art Search], [USPTO]

Patent Analysis and Mapping Thursday, September 02, 2010
Posted by Prior Art Search Team

Since we analyze patents for many different reasons to suit the various needs of our clients, there really isn’t one definition for what Patent Analysis. Based on the end requirement and the scope, we come out with the best possible process for a patent analysis that meets your overall requirements. Whether it is a product commercialization or a new product development, initiating or redirecting your research and development, facing infringement threats or saving from infringement accusations, tracking the trend of a technology progress, or even filing an important patent filing, patent analysis can help you in several critical steps in your business process. In short, patent analysis acts as an easy to reach counselor for your inval ...
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Posted In:[Patent Search], [Prior Art Search], [Uncategorized], [patent mapping], [patent analysis]

Details about Freedom to Operate Searches Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Posted by Prior Art Search Team

A Freedom to operate (FTO) search is also known as ‘Freedom to practice’ (FTP) or ‘Product clearance’ search. As the name suggests, a freedom to operate search is conducted to evaluate the viability of commercialization of your product or process in a particular country or geographical region without violating others’ intellectual property rights. Legal obstacles for your product could be valid patents, designs and (or) trademark rights. However, any other IP rights based on a particular jurisdiction (country or region) should not be overlooked. No system exists that can provide IP protection for one invention throughout the world with a single legal action, so Intellectual property rights are limited to particular jurisdictions (cou ...
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Posted In:[Design Patent Search], [freedom to operate], [IP Services], [Patent Search], [Prior Art Search]

What is a Patentability Search? Why do we need it? Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Posted by Prior Art Search Team

It is imperative for someone who seeks patent protection to understand the scope of the invention to be patented, whether it is new or known, whether it has some economical benefit in comparison to the available arts. It is essential to conduct a search that includes all the below categories to get a feel of whether the invention is novel and can be patented before proceeding to file a patent. What can be considered prior art? United States patents and published applications Foreign patents and published applications Articles and Journals Company websites Other web sources Product brochures News ...
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Posted In:[IP Services], [Maryland], [Patent Drawing], [Patent Search], [Patentability Search], [Prior Art Search]

The Basics of a Design Patent and Design Patent Searches Friday, April 09, 2010
Posted by Prior Art Search Team

Design patents are based on the ornamental aspects of surface decoration, aesthetic configuration, appearance and shape of an item. In contrast to a utility patent, a design patent is issued for aesthetic features for a new or an improved outward appearance; however, the subject claimed in the design patent should have some practical utility. To be eligible for a design patent, the subject must satisfy the ornamental standards and be novel. When viewed through the eyes of an imaginary designer skilled in the art, the design must be non-obvious compared to any previously available design. Also, a design patent cannot be obtained for ornamental configurations that are not visible when the product is in use. T ...
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Posted In:[Design Patent Search], [Patent Drawing], [Prior Art Search], [USPTO]