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Patents (Intellectual Property) Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) on
Q: Search Patents $5,497,518

Search Patents $5,497,518

0 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) on
Q: Search Patents $5,497,518

Search Patents $5,497,518

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for California on
Q: If I want to change the basic media player, can I patent it or not?
James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Mar 21, 2023

No, changing the basic media player does not qualify for a patent. Patents are only granted for inventions or innovations that meet certain criteria, including novelty, non-obviousness, and usefulness. In order to be eligible for a patent, an invention must be a new and useful process, machine,... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) on
Q: Why can't I see figures of the patents?

I want to view a patent for what I can't use in a design but there are no figures in the patents, just sentences describing the figures.

James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Mar 16, 2023

It is possible that the patent you are trying to view does not have any figures included in the patent application. However, it is also possible that there may be technical issues with the viewing platform you are using or with the patent document itself.

You may want to try viewing the...
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2 Answers | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) for Colorado on
Q: how would I find out if someone is using my patents.
Michael Cohen
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Michael Cohen PRO label
answered on Mar 15, 2023

Normally through due diligence, meaning knowing the competitors of your products/services and monitoring them. Once you believe they are offering the same or similar product/service, you would then consult with a patent attorney to analyze your registered patent, particularly the claims of your... Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property for New York on
Q: Can I patent my own brand name for a new style protective neck gaiter?
James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Mar 11, 2023

Yes, it is possible to obtain a patent for a new prototype for a protective neck gaiter. A patent is a legal right granted by the government to the inventor of a new and useful invention, which provides the inventor with the exclusive right to make, use, and sell the invention for a limited period... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) for West Virginia on
Q: Professor & textbook say the US is first to invent other sources say the US is first to file. What do I put in my notes?

My professor and the textbook say that the US is first to invent when it comes to patents. However, while doing further research I found that the US is first to file. I am not sure if I should put what they think is the right answer or the actual answer on my notes for the exam.

Kevin E. Flynn
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Kevin E. Flynn
answered on Mar 7, 2023

For many years, the US was a first to invent country. That changed in 2011 see -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leahy%E2%80%93Smith_America_Invents_Act

There is a narrow exception that if someone takes the idea of another (AND YOU CAN PROVE THAT) then the first to file will lose out over...
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2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for California on
Q: Let's say I've a patentable invention have to sell it to a market-dominant company. What an IP lawyer should I need for?

(2) How really to make sure of a lawyer's competence, committment, and area of expertise? (3) What should I expect as norm for a payment setting (a couple real instances, please)?

Kevin E. Flynn
PREMIUM
Kevin E. Flynn
answered on Feb 24, 2023

A market dominant company is not likely to take you seriously until you have proceeded in the patent process until at least an Office Action noting some allowable claims. So I would be sure to file the application using some form of acceleration. Usually, that is a Track One fee and petition so... Read more »

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2 Answers | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: Does apple have a patent on the shape of their chargers and cables.

We want to import chargers and cables that resemble apple charges and cables in shape without their logo

James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Mar 2, 2023

Yes, Apple has multiple design patents on the shape and appearance of their chargers and cables. These patents protect the visual appearance and design of their products, including the shape, color, and texture. Importing chargers and cables that resemble Apple's patented designs without their... Read more »

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2 Answers | Asked in International Law and Patents (Intellectual Property) on
Q: Dear Ms./Mr.,In order to have an international patent, what is the procedure, aprox. time and costs?Thank you!

We have an innovation in the field of 3D food printing that comes with multiple new tech features and we would like to find the best strategy to patent everything that is paternable at this project.

Until now, we have not yet find someone to help us with a clear advice about the patent... Read more »

Stephen E. Zweig
Stephen E. Zweig
answered on Feb 24, 2023

The international patent process starts simple, but then gets more complex.

Ultimately most countries (with the EU acting as a block) want to process patent applications through their local offices and correspond to local law firms.

By treaty, the initial patent application in...
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2 Answers | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) on
Q: I know the name of the company and who the patent was licensed to.Is it possible to vet a patent through this info.
David Aldrich
David Aldrich
answered on Feb 22, 2023

If you know the name of the company that you think owns the patent, you will usually be able to find a copy of it. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has a search tool for patents here:

https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/static/pages/landing.html

This tool allows you to easily...
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2 Answers | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) for California on
Q: find patent lawyer who plays golf

I have patent idea re an improvement to manual golf carts Cl 280/1.5, need patent attorney who is a golfer to understand the subject

James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Feb 20, 2023

While it's understandable that you may want to work with a patent lawyer who is also a golfer to understand your patent idea, it's important to keep in mind that a lawyer's expertise and experience in patent law and the specific technology area of your invention may be more important... Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) on
Q: Dear sir I would like to patent with google. Is that impossible?

These are the prototypes but i would like to patent them. Is that possible?

James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Mar 2, 2023

It is possible to file a patent application with Google or any other company that offers patent services. Google has a patent program called the Google Patent Program, which is designed to help inventors and entrepreneurs file patents. However, the program is currently only available to US... Read more »

3 Answers | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property for Missouri on
Q: This patent cites my grandfathers patent. But his last name has been misspelled can we get it corrected?
James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Feb 25, 2023

If your grandfather's name has been misspelled in a patent citation, you may be able to get it corrected. The process for correcting a mistake in a patent citation varies depending on the specific situation, but in general, you should contact the issuing authority of the patent that made the... Read more »

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) on
Q: Hi there, I am a university student curious about JIBBITZ and what their patent includes.

Is it the fastener? or the brand name? Basically can someone legally imitate their croc charm idea?

Kevin E. Flynn
PREMIUM
Kevin E. Flynn
answered on Feb 16, 2023

One place to start is the USPTO assignment database. While not every company registers their assignments there, it is a best practice and many larger companies are good about doing so.... Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Patents (Intellectual Property) and Trademark for Delaware on
Q: Trying to see if there's any anti theft devices for air conditioner condensing units that don't require hook up to alarm

One that just makes noises, and wont need to be wired into a home burglary system.

James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Feb 25, 2023

There are several types of anti-theft devices available for air conditioner condensing units that do not require hook up to an alarm system. Some of these devices use motion sensors to detect movement around the unit and sound an alarm if triggered. Others use tamper-resistant covers to prevent... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) on
Q: Dear sir, How to disclose the entity as Small Scale unit in granted patent for paying renewal fees

Our Indian patent has been granted in USA. But our entity was not disclosed as small scale unit while filing application through our agent in US. Is it possible to change now by ourself in order to pay the renewal fee that is applicable for small scale unit. What are the document required for... Read more »

Stephen E. Zweig
Stephen E. Zweig
answered on Feb 13, 2023

The USPTO classifies applicants as large entity, small entity, and micro entity. Assuming you qualify, then even after the patent was granted, it is possible to change your status to small or micro entity and get a substantial discount on the renewal fees.

Small entities are often small...
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2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for New Jersey on
Q: I'm creating a Trading Card Game. What patents in terms of card layout and battle mechanics do I have to look out for?
David Aldrich
David Aldrich
answered on Feb 14, 2023

This will depend on the details of your specific game, and it would require a professional search. When we do these, we hire a specialized searching company that performs a “clearance search” (in this case, they would search for those patents claiming a trading card game that are closest to... Read more »

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2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Florida on
Q: One quick question please if I may. How do I protect my idea from being stolen while I go through the process 4 a patent

I just want to make sure that if I go through with my idea, while it may take upwards of a year for the process to finish, that I can protect my idea somehow from being stolen by others and being patented by others.

David Aldrich
David Aldrich
answered on Feb 14, 2023

To obtain an issued, enforceable patent, you would file a “utility” patent application. When you say ”the process 4 a patent,” are you referring to the preparation of this patent application, or the process of ultimately obtaining an issued patent (i.e., the back-and-forth with the patent... Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) on
Q: Can I legally sell my self made camera lenses for Sony/Canon/Nikon Cameras?

Does anyone know if I can legally manufacture and sell my self made camera lenses? It is my passion to 3d print lense Housings/Mounts in order to recycle old/broken lenses. For the past year I have been designing and 3d printing lenses/lens mounts for Sony/Nikon/Canon cameras. I was wondering if l... Read more »

James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Mar 2, 2023

If you are making and selling lenses that are compatible with Sony/Nikon/Canon cameras, you may be infringing on the companies' patents. The companies have patents for the design of their lens mounts, and if your lenses fit onto these mounts, you may be infringing on those patents.

You...
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