Category: Gearhart Blog

Patent appeals can feel like distant courtroom dramas, especially when the names involved are Apple or Microsoft. But behind the headlines are valuable lessons for anyone trying to protect an invention. Whether you're just starting the patent process or thinking about defending your rights, you can learn a lot from how these...

Getting a letter from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) can be stressful—especially if you’re not sure what it means. If you’ve received a Missing Parts Notice, don’t panic. This type of notice simply means that something was left out of your nonprovisional patent application. While it can delay your application...

When the USPTO issues a final rejection on your patent application, you may feel like your only option is to file a full appeal. But there’s another path that’s faster and less expensive: a Pre-Appeal Brief Request for Review. This tool allows you to challenge a final rejection without going through...

When you file a patent application, your words matter—but your drawings can be just as important. Think of patent drawings as a visual blueprint—they show what your invention is and how it works. In many cases, they do what text alone can’t: clearly illustrate what something looks like, how it fits together,...

You’ve received a final rejection from the USPTO. It’s frustrating—and often feels like a dead end. But there’s still a way forward. A well-prepared appeal, especially one supported by strong technical testimony, can turn things around.

Appeals give you a chance to clarify your invention, challenge how the examiner...

Getting a patent application denied—especially in another country—can be frustrating. But a rejection isn’t the end of the road. Many foreign patent offices offer formal appeal processes that allow you to challenge the decision. With the right approach, you can often keep your application alive and protect your invention abroad. At Gearhart...

If you’ve filed a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and noticed the status “Formalities Chk Pass,” you might be wondering what that means. In short, it’s a good sign. It means your application has passed the USPTO’s initial review of basic filing requirements.

If you're thinking about protecting your invention, you’ve probably come across the terms “provisional” and “non-provisional” patent applications. At first glance, they sound similar—but they serve very different purposes. Deciding which one to file can affect your timeline, costs, and even your ability to enforce your patent rights later.