Patents

Patents are critical for protecting inventions and designs. Learn how and when to file one, read success stories from fellow inventors, and more.

How to patent an idea and become an inventor
How do you know when your idea is just an idea, as opposed to an idea that you could patent and put to profitable use?
February 7, 2024 · 3 min read
How to file a patent
Before you can profit from your invention, there are several steps to take to get the right kind of protection you need. Find out how you file a patent application, whether you need a lawyer or can do it yourself, and what it means to have a patent pending.
January 5, 2024 · 6 min read
Understanding the patent application process
The patent application process can be confusing. Find out more about the different phases of the process and what you can do to prepare for each phase.
December 5, 2023 · 5 min read
The basics of patent assignments
What is a patent assignment, what are the requirements to make it valid, and why would a business enter into a patent assignment agreement? Read on to find answers to these questions and more.
December 4, 2023 · 2 min read
Navigating your patent assignment application
Did you know you can transfer ownership in your patent even before it's issued? Find out why inventors may want or be required to assign their patents.
December 4, 2023 · 3 min read
Can you patent an idea?
Under U.S. law, you cannot patent an idea. Understanding how the law differentiates ideas from inventions is a great way to learn some of the core tenants of patent law.
November 17, 2023 · 5 min read
Use a bill of materials to plan your patent submission
If your business is involved in manufacturing or production, it's likely you already have a document that will make submitting a patent much, much easier. Find out how a BOM can help with the process.
October 31, 2023 · 3 min read
4 questions to ask a patent attorney
Find out how to get the most out of your attorney consultation.
October 27, 2023 · 4 min read
Joint ownership of patents: A to Z
An invention's patent is considered personal property. Under patent law, each co-inventor named on a patent application owns that property. In the absence of any agreement, each co-inventor owns 100 percent of the patent, regardless of how much each individual contributed to the invention. Patent law gives co-owners of a patent the right to make, use, license, sell and import the patented invention within the U.S. in whatever way they please, without the consent of the other co-owners.
March 28, 2023 · 3 min read
Selling your patent: What you need to know
A patent which grants ownership of an invention, but it won't pay you. There are a few ways you can generate a profit from your idea.
March 24, 2023 · 5 min read