Design Patent Basics
An Innovation Cafe® article by Gary Shuster, patent litigator and prolific inventor. A design patent is the part of the U.S. patent system that protects how something looks, not how it works. If a utility patent is about function—mechanisms, methods, chemistry, and engineering—a design patent is about visual appearance: the shape, configuration, surface ornamentation, or […]
The Essential Guide to Patent Maintenance Fees
An Innovation Cafe® article by Gary Shuster, patent litigator and prolific inventor. This article looks at patent maintenance fees. They might not be thrilling, but if you own a patent, understanding them is absolutely essential. What are patent maintenance fees? Patent maintenance fees are payments required to keep a granted patent in force, because you […]
How to Patent an Idea (the Right Way)
An Innovation Cafe® article by Gary Shuster, patent litigator and prolific inventor. This article rides with you on the journey from ideas to innovations and beyond. Today, we’re tackling a pretty common question: how do I patent an idea? More importantly, how do I patent an idea the right way? Can you patent an idea? […]
Utility Patent Applications in 2 Minutes
Watch the clip above, then read on. What is a Utility Patent Application? The quick answer is this: A utility patent application is a written application to a patent office seeking a patent on a function. Whether it is a process, a device or a method, the patent claims cover doing something useful. If you […]