Category: Gearhart Blog

Many inventors ask whether they truly need a patent lawyer to protect their idea. In most cases, working with a patent attorney leads to a stronger application, clearer claims, and better long-term protection for your invention. A lawyer helps you avoid filing mistakes, conduct a proper prior art search, and build an...

Medical device licensing requires a clear understanding of who owns the underlying IP, how those rights are transferred, and what protections must be in place before commercialization. Strong agreements depend on identifying all patentable features, securing confidentiality during negotiations, and setting terms that safeguard long-term value. Licensing can expand market reach...

AI-powered health technologies can be protected through a mix of patents, trade secrets, copyrights, and carefully drafted data-use agreements. The strongest strategies usually focus on safeguarding algorithms, training data, clinical outputs, and the underlying hardware or software integrations. By understanding where the true value lies in your innovation, you can put protections...

You can patent a diagnostic method in the United States, but only if the method goes beyond simply observing a natural correlation. To qualify, the innovation must apply that correlation through defined steps that produce a measurable and practical outcome. The key is whether the diagnostic process adds a human-driven, technical contribution...

A commercial contract is the foundation of any successful business relationship. It defines how parties will work together, what each is responsible for, and how risks will be managed. A well-drafted agreement helps prevent misunderstandings, sets clear expectations, and outlines what happens if something goes wrong. From defining deliverables and payment...

Investors often see intellectual property (IP) as one of the most powerful indicators of a company’s long-term potential. Strong IP rights can secure a competitive advantage, generate consistent revenue, and enhance a company’s market position. From patents and trademarks to trade secrets and copyrights, a well-managed IP portfolio signals innovation, strategic foresight,...

Copyright protection doesn’t last forever, but its duration depends on who created the work and when it was published. For individual authors, protection typically extends for the author’s lifetime plus an additional 70 years. For works created under corporate ownership, joint authorship, or anonymous publication, different rules apply. Knowing how long...

Innovation drives growth in the food industry, and patents often play a central role in protecting new ideas. From how a product tastes to how it’s packaged and delivered, patents can help secure competitive advantages. Understanding where patent protection may apply can give food companies, entrepreneurs, and investors a clearer picture of...

Patenting in the chemical industry is not as straightforward as it may seem. While a new compound, formula, or process might hold promise, meeting the strict requirements of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is a demanding process. Chemical patents must show not only novelty but also utility and...