A Board Certified Patent Attorney
The “Lost” Michael Jackson Patent
"You’ve Been Hit By, You’ve Been Hit By…A Smooth Criminal" From Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson Did you know Michael Jackson holds a patent for a device used in the live entertainment version of Smooth Criminal? Here’s the story… In the 1980’s, Michael Jackson revolutionized pop-entertainment. Other than the moonwalk, one of his most memorable... Read More
Which patent should you file? Patents in plain english…
Do you know why you might want to file a provisional patent instead of a non-provisional patent? Each has its advantages and disadvantages. And today you’re going to learn which one is best for your needs. First, a little history behind the creation of the two-patent system we enjoy today. Up until 1995, there was only one way to file a patent. You filled out the application in its entirety ... Read More
How we went from Patent Attorney’s to The Idea Attorneys®
If you would like have a unique competitive advantage from everyone else in your industry, and enjoy “impossible to forget” status, then I’ve got a quick story to share with you. Over a decade ago, when my partner Glenn and I decided to devote our lives to patent and trademark law, I suggested to Glenn what may have seemed to many be a rather obvious idea. Why not call ... Read More
Trademark on Your Logo Already? Maybe not…
The owner of a Federally registered trademark is presumed to be the exclusive owner of the mark for the goods and services. So, if a word or phrase is already trademarked, does that mean you can’t use it? Most people think yes. But there is a little loophole in trademark law that allows you to use a trademarked term even if it’s protected and widely used. Let’s take a closer... Read More
Think your idea is silly? Check out these patents…
Today, let’s take a look at some of the crazier patents from the USPTO. (As silly as some of these seem, I assure you, they have all passed successfully through the patent office doors). User-Operated Amusement Apparatus for Kicking the User’s Buttocks. Patent No. 6,293,874. (2001) Improvement in Fire Escapes (Short Range Parachute). Patent No. 221,855 (1879) Wiper Mechanism to Keep Ey... Read More
What is Patentable?
A lot of people come to my office with ideas they want patented. Some of these ideas are absurd and yet are still candidates for patents. While many other ideas seem to have huge marketplace potential, but are not possible to patent. So what makes the difference? What kinds of ideas can be patented? And what can’t. Today, you’ll learn the difference. Patents – “An... Read More
How to Make Money After You Get a Patent
So you’ve got a patent. Now what? A new book solves this very problem. The Other Side of Innovation from Vijay Govindarajan and Chris Trimble show how companies turn patents into products into profits. Here’s what The Economist has to say: "Hardly a week passes without someone publishing a book on the subject. Most are rubbish. But ‘The Other Side of Innovation: So... Read More
Resource for Super High Tech Patents
If you are interested in state-of-the-art patents, then there is a little known magazine that you need to check out. Each month this magazine is filled with literally hundreds of new patents. Thumbing through the last issue I came across interesting breakthroughs like: A new aluminum solar collector with impressive efficiency A new type of glass that changes volume An aircraft flap that reduces no... Read More
Top 5 Patents from TIME’s 50 Best Inventions of the Year
The November 22 issue of TIME magazine contained an article any future patent holder would love. The 50 Best Inventions of the Year showcased everything from flying cars to mosquito killing lasers. While there is not enough space here to describe all 50, here’s a look at my top 5 picks from the TIME Top 50. Patent #5: Around The World In An Hour In an effort to fight isolated conflicts, the ... Read More
New Apple Patent Suggests Carbon Fiber iPad
Based on a new patent application published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Apple has been playing around with the idea of using carbon fiber for a little extra strength protection for their mobile devices. For full story and drawings click on the link…Carbon Fiber Patent
Trademark Battles in the News: Conglomerates, Colleges, Candy, Cycles and Underwear
There are some interesting trademark disputes making headlines in the past couple of weeks. Here is a quick recap of the odd, funny and (sometimes) insane world of trademarks. Facebook Trademark against Your Face Facebook continues its quest for world domination by trying to trademark the word "Face". However, the Patent and Trademark Office reports that the trademark will only app... Read More
Master of Patents Success Story
Just stumbled on a story you future patent holders may be interested in… Medtronic’s Michael R.S. Hill just hit the impressive feat of 50 patents in 18 years. Hill’s patent work has focused on improving implantable cardiac devices for patients with irregular heart rhythms and creating new solutions that combine cardiovascular and neuromodulation (zapping the brain or nervous syst... Read More
Shortcuts for Patent Searches
Before you waste lots of time tinkering on your new invention (or spend thousands on a patent application), you might want to invest a little time researching if someone else has already received a patent on your idea. Why? First, you can’t get a patent if someone else already has one. And second, you can’t monetize it (why bother inventing something you can’t patent and get paid... Read More
Trademark infringement: Do you fight back or pick a new name?
The threat of trademark infringement doesn’t necessarily have to shut down your business or bury you under legal bills. If you do not have much invested in the name, you may decide to just change your business name and pray you don’t get sued for past infringement damages. But if you get hit with a trademark infringement claim, do you have to give in? A recent article in Forbes o... Read More
Amazon’s “One Click Case” changes Patent Law
A Canadian federal judge says business methods can be patented in the same way as any other invention. For Canadian IP lawyers, the decision is significant because it clears up confusion about whether or not "business methods" can be patented in Canada. Click on the link for the full story on this patent law change