5 Mistakes Inventors Make When It Comes to Applying for a Patent
Inventors often run into preventable issues during the patent application process, and these mistakes can delay approval or weaken protection. The most common problems involve incomplete prior art searches, unclear applications, misunderstanding market needs, overlooking global options, and attempting the process alone. By recognizing these pitfalls early, you can position your invention...
2023’s Top Stories in Patent News
In 2023, patent news became more crucial than ever. As technology and innovation accelerate, understanding the latest patent developments is key for businesses and inventors alike. From groundbreaking AI advancements to significant legal reforms, this past year saw many significant developments in patent law.
The Evolution of...
The European Union Patent Validation Process
The European Union patent law validation process is crucial for inventors and companies looking to protect their intellectual property across multiple EU countries. Validating a patent in the EU ensures legal protection of an invention in all member states, streamlining the safeguarding of innovative ideas. This process is especially relevant for those...
What if I can’t get a patent on my idea?
When clients come to Gearhart Law, we first take a look at their project to see if we think it’s patentable, as there are many rules around patentability. If it is believed to be patentable, we always recommend a patent search first so they don’t waste money on something they can’t get a patent...
Design Patents vs. Utility Patents
A design patent is a patent that protects the ornamental and outward appearance of an item. Most design patent applications are accepted by the PTO, while utility applications usually have more back-and-forth processes with the PTO before it is accepted. Find out more about the differences in this video with James Klobucar,...
What Happens When a Business Partner Decides to Leave the Partnership?
Imagine you've built a thriving business with a partner, but suddenly, they decide to leave. What happens next? In this blog, we'll explore the often-complex journey of partnership dissolution. We understand that navigating the legal and financial implications can be challenging, and we can guide you through this transition. Whether you're facing...
Watch out for Trademark Scams!
We often get questions from our trademark clients at Gearhart Law about letters they receive in the mail or emails indicating that they owe money for something related to their trademark. They ask us if they need to pay it. Our response? IGNORE IT UNLESS IT COMES FROM GEARHART LAW and/or USPTO! There are a...
Is AI Sentient Software? Redefining Intellectual Property
Is AI Sentient Software? Redefining Intellectual Property
Join us in this IP in the News segment of the Passage to Profit Show - Road to Entreprenuership, where we delve into the intersection of artificial intelligence and intellectual...
What Do I Need to Get Started on a Patent Application?
WHAT COMES FIRST; MY URL OR MY TRADEMARK?
Just because you can get a website address (a URL, uniform resource locator) for your business name, it doesn’t mean you can get a trademark for that name. And just because you can get a trademark for your name, it doesn’t mean you can get the URL. So what should you do...