Patents: Provisional vs. Non-Provisional Applications—Which Is Right for You?

Posted on January 25, 2022

Filing for a patent on your invention can be as confusing as it is exciting. There are several different options to choose from, all with unique requirements, advantages, and disadvantages. When it comes to intellectual property law, most inventors new to the patent process want to ensure they obtain the best protection possible. For...

Computer code creates the shape of a courtroom gavel to represent patents for software-related inventions

How to Apply for Patents for Software-Related Inventions

Posted on January 18, 2022

The application process for software-related patents doesn’t differ enormously from other patent applications. However, the criteria your invention must meet to be eligible for a patent are much different. Over the years, court decisions have only increased the ambiguity surrounding patents for operating systems, applications, and other...

A businessman looks over a skyline pondering how patents work internationally. (Shutterstock)

FAQ: How Do Patents Work Internationally?

Posted on January 11, 2022

People seek patents to protect their intellectual property from theft or unauthorized use. They preserve market shares by ensuring no one else in the US can use your idea or invention. But how do patents work internationally? Growth is a near-universal business goal, making internationally scalable patent protection a hot topic. Below,...

Many modern patents for business methods involve using the internet in some way.

Understanding the “Internet Patent”: Patents for Business Methods

Posted on December 8, 2021

In 1799, a fledgling US government granted its first business method patent to Jacob Perkins, a man who had invented a way to detect counterfeit currency. Today, the USPTO is nearly unrecognizable, but the office still issues hundreds of business method patents each year. Today’s patents, however, look a little different....

Making your invention qualify for US patent protection is going to require a lot of due diligence

FAQ: Does My Invention Qualify for US Patent Protection?

Posted on November 2, 2021

https://boldip.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/shutterstock_716860588-1-1024x683.jpg "Does my invention qualify for US patent protection?" is a question we answer often. Unfortunately, it's never as easy as a straightforward yes or no. We have to delve into four specific criteria that apply to every application, regardless of type. These four criteria include novelty, utility, non-obviousness, and subject matter eligibility coverage. All of...