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Starting a business often means moving quickly, but when it comes to protecting your ideas, timing matters. For startups in New Jersey, filing for intellectual property (IP) protection early can help secure your innovations, brand identity, and creative work before others try to claim them. Whether you're developing software, branding a new...

Building an app is a significant accomplishment. But once it’s live—or even before—it’s natural to wonder: what parts of this thing can actually be protected? Can someone just copy your idea, tweak it slightly, and call it their own?

The answer isn’t always simple. The U.S. Patent and Trademark...

Getting a warning letter accusing you of patent infringement is never a welcome surprise. Whether it arrives by email or certified mail, the message usually comes with legal jargon and urgent demands. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, but you’re not out of options. This post will walk you through the first steps...

Securing a patent is a significant step in protecting your invention. But what happens when someone uses your idea without permission? Enforcing your rights might mean heading into court—but litigation isn't always the best move. Sometimes, protecting your intellectual property means making tough business decisions.

At Gearhart Law, we...

We understand the temptation to handle your own patent application. Filing on your own may seem like a quick way to save money and maintain control. But while the upfront cost might be lower, the long-term consequences can be expensive—and permanent.

Even small missteps in a patent application can...

If you've received a rejection from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), you're not alone. Patent applications often face challenges during the examination process, especially when there's confusion about the invention’s uniqueness or scope. One of the most effective ways to address this? A patent examiner interview.

At...

If you’ve received a Section 101 rejection from a patent examiner, you’re not alone. These types of rejections are increasingly common, especially in fields involving software or business methods. The good news? A Section 101 rejection doesn't mean the end of the road. We help inventors understand what’s behind these rejections and...

Facing a final rejection in the patent application process can be discouraging, but it doesn’t always mean the end of the road. In many cases, there’s still time to revise your claims and continue working with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). One way to do this is by filing...

When you come up with a new invention, it’s natural to want to protect it as soon as possible. But before you spend time or money filing a patent application, there’s one important step that shouldn't be skipped: the patent search.

A proper search helps you figure out...