The “first use” date for a trademark is the date when the trademark was first used in commerce in connection with the goods or services for which it is registered or applied for. In the United States, the first use date is important because it determines who has priority in the event of a trademark…
You may have heard me say “a patent gives one the right to sue”. Once you have a patent, you have the grounds to sue others who you believe are infringing upon it. However, having your product patented does not mean others are barred from suing you with allegations that your patent is infringing upon…
FUND YOUR PATENTS WITH TAX CREDITS Do you have U.S. based employees or contractors? Are you manufacturing a product within the U.S.? If you have employees in the US you may be eligible for a substantial tax credit (Some companies are receiving more than $300,000 from the government). What are the tax credits? The Employee…
Pickleball is a great game that was invented about 50 years ago and is now one of the fastest growing sports. Likewise, if you have started the patent process with an invention, you may have a plan to become a fast growing company with your new invention. You want your patent application to be like…
Patent attorneys are important in helping you protect your IP from current and future competitors. Some patent attorneys are better than others. A great patent attorney will meet these 7 criteria. 1. They encourage you to research your invention in the marketplace. As an inventor you probably have a lot of experience in your industry….
You have a great idea for a new invention and YOU know you can make money. Like many inventors you may have limited funds, are unfamiliar with the manufacturing process, or have many great ideas that you can’t take them all to market. Licensing your idea can be a perfect solution without investing in manufacturing,…
Copyright Registration- Individual or Corporation © Should I apply for a registered copyright as a corporation or an individual? This depends on your age or more specifically when you will die. When you have 25 years left to live, the two copyright terms are the same. The benefit of one over the other has a…
Look at title carefully Check title using VIN FREE VINCheck® Lookup | National Insurance Crime Bureau Service Arizona (for Arizona Vehicles) National Motor Vehicle Title Information Systems (NMVTIS) Seller (does it match the person selling the vehicle?) Date (when was the car last sold?) Mileage (what was the mileage at the last time of sale?)…
How to Avoid Trademark Scams Once your trademark is registered with the USPTO you will be subjected to companies trying to solicit your business. Your federal trademark application and registration information is available on the USPTO database. Private companies, not associated with the official government office, may send mailings or emails directly to you to…
International Trademark Protection Do you plan to sell in the global market? Be sure to file for trademark protection internationally Step 1– File in the US Step 2– Familiarize yourself with the laws between other countries and the US. International Trade Administration and WIPO are great resources. Step 3-Hire a translation team. Your mark is…