You finally have an invention worth protecting. Maybe you have built a working prototype, shown it to potential customers, presented it at a trade show, or even started selling it. Then you learn that public disclosure before filing patent applications can affect your ability to obtain patent protection. For U.S. patent law, there is a limited one-year grace period for certain inventor-originated disclosures. But that does not mean inventors should wait a year to file. A dis

If you have developed a new machine, mechanical device, tool, component, or manufacturing process, a patent can provide valuable protection against unauthorized use of your invention. However, a noteworthy thing is that patent protection is not permanent. Every utility patent has a defined term, and patent owners must also meet certain requirements to keep the patent enforceable. So, how long does a mechanical patent last? In the United States, a utility patent covering a m

If you have developed a new invention, one of the first patent questions you may face is whether to file a provisional or non-provisional patent application. The right choice can affect your filing date, patent strategy, costs, and the amount of time you have to develop your invention. So, provisional or non-provisional patent first? The answer depends on the stage of your invention, your immediate goals, and your readiness to pursue a patent. A provisional application can p

Creating a physical product often involves more than one type of innovation. A product may solve a practical problem through a new mechanism while also having a distinctive shape, appearance, or surface design that makes it recognizable in the marketplace. When that happens, inventors often ask an important question: utility vs design patent same product or can one product receive both types of patent protection? The answer is yes. In the United States, utility and design pa

Medical device inventions go through a patent process that carries greater weight than that of most other technologies. The stakes are higher, the technical scrutiny is deeper, and the timing decisions around FDA clearance add a layer most inventors never anticipate. We have guided medical device founders through this process for years, and the same question comes up early in nearly every conversation: how do you actually get from a working prototype to an issued patent? Unde

A competitor lists a near-identical version of your patented product, and the sales numbers on your own listing start sliding within days. Every week that copycat stays live costs you real revenue. For patent holders selling on Amazon, one question comes up constantly: what benefits do we receive from the Amazon APEX program compared to fighting this out in federal court? The answer explains why so many sellers turn to it first. A Quick Overview of the Program Amazon’s Patent

A knockoff of your patented product just showed up on Amazon, and you need to decide how to respond. Two paths sit in front of you, and they lead to very different outcomes. The Amazon APEX vs. patent litigation decision is one we often walk clients through, and there is no universal right answer. The correct choice depends on your budget, your timeline, and what you actually need to accomplish. What Amazon APEX Actually Is Amazon’s Patent Evaluation Express, known as APEX, i

Inventors often assume a signed confidentiality agreement is all the protection they need before sharing their idea with a manufacturer, investor, or potential partner. That assumption can be costly. An NDA before patent filing can genuinely shield your invention in some situations, but it has real limits that catch many first-time inventors off guard. Understanding the difference before your next meeting matters more than most people realize. What an NDA Actually Does A non-