Get free answers to your Patents (Intellectual Property) legal questions from lawyers in your area.
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I am interested in finding out whether products associated with Patent 11,192,678 for ZIPLOCK FASTENER CLOSURE FOR GABLE TOP CARTONS are currently being manufactured and sold commercially. Specifically, I'm looking for stores and locations where these products might be available. Can you... View More

answered on Mar 10, 2025
Your best bet is to contact the current owner to see if it is commercializing the patent and where.
The current owner of this patent is AB Merculor, located at Hillersvagen 3, Hagersten 129 35 in Sweden.
If you have trouble contacting them, their U.S. law firm is Birch Stewart... View More
I'm considering taking a replica of a CCM hockey glove from a Chinese site and rebranding it with my unique logo. I'm unsure if the original CCM design is patented or trademarked. The Chinese site has no agreements, and I plan to sell these rebranded gloves using the same design unless... View More

answered on Mar 2, 2025
I'm a hockey dad, so your question is very interesting to me. There certainly are patents for hockey gloves, but whether any of those might cover the specific gloves you want to "private label" … really hard to say. Answering that question even tentatively would require a massive... View More
I have a utility patent (approved in June 2021, applied in August 2019) for a sun visor extender. I've noticed someone else is selling a similar product, and I'm concerned it may infringe on my patent. How can I search for their patent status, and what steps should I take to address this... View More
I would like to find the patent for the Philips BHS736/00 straightener for academic research purposes. Could you advise on where to search for the patent or provide guidance on how to access such information?

answered on Feb 28, 2025
To find the patent for the Philips BHS736/00 straightener, begin by visiting publicly accessible patent databases. The most useful starting points are the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the European Patent Office's Espacenet, and Google Patents. These platforms offer free... View More
I am the original owner of a patent that became freely accessible 10 years ago due to unpaid renewal fees. I have not previously attempted to renew or modify the patent. The update I am considering involves significant and distinct improvements to the function of the device but does not incorporate... View More

answered on Feb 24, 2025
I understand you are seeking guidance regarding your original patent, which expired 10 years ago due to unpaid renewal fees. You noted that you never attempted to renew or modify the patent but are now considering updates that significantly enhance the device’s functionality without introducing... View More
I recently discovered my late father's patent invention on your website. He passed away in 2022, and the patent's power of attorney has retired. The patent number is 5887787, and his name was xx. My stepmother has not filed probate, leaving my siblings and me unaware of how to proceed.... View More

answered on Feb 21, 2025
I understand you're seeking guidance about your father's patent rights - this must be a complex and emotional situation to navigate. Let me help provide some direction.
Your first step would be to confirm the patent's current status through the USPTO website using patent... View More
I recently discovered that my great-grandparents had patents, trademarks, and owned over 160 acres of land across 31 states, as per wills, pensions, probate, and land records I have. The inheritance documents state that these assets should be left to all heirs to have and to hold together forever.... View More
I was approached by an investigator from a company where my late husband worked. They requested documentation to prove his employment, even though they should have his records. Previously, I attempted to claim money owed for patents where my husband was the inventor, and the company changed records... View More
We manufacture a towel for one of our customer in US and after manufacturing we both found out that it is patented under US patent no. 10,745,833. Now the patent states that fabric should be 50% cotton and 50% polyester. However, our product is 65% polyester and 35% cotton. However, other... View More

answered on Feb 12, 2025
U.S patents cover importation (if your product infringes the patent, you cannot import them into the U.S. without being liable for infringement). This patent covers both fabric products and methods of manufacture. The specific coverage is defined in the claims, and each claim has a different scope.... View More
Previously this plant was only available as a cut flower via a limited number of licensed growers. But with the patent expiring on February 1st of this year, would home gardeners be able to propagate this plant for their home garden? What about for commercial use? Would you legally be able to... View More

answered on Feb 7, 2025
I have not studied the patent that you are referring to, but generally, once a patent expires, it is no longer enforceable. You can use anything claimed in the patent for any reason.
This is generally true even if you took a license from the patent owner previously, and you promised him... View More
In the land office they all are patent and registered as they remain and people have been taking land recently as builders and we have not granted them permission. I know the laws of this being private property as they continue to alter records illegally (I have evidence) but what else should I do?

answered on Feb 8, 2025
If you have confirmed that your land patents are valid and properly recorded, the next step is to take legal action to protect your property rights. Gather all documents, including certified patents, historical records, and any proof of unauthorized changes to the land records. Organize your... View More

answered on Feb 2, 2025
First, check to see if the patent has expired.
Second, search to see if anyone has registered an assignment at the USPTO and ensure your father did not sell it.
Third, start using the internet to see if anyone is selling a product or process that is covered by every element of the... View More
example in the link (flask only without lid):

answered on Jan 21, 2025
Yes, the ornamental design (not useful components) of a physical good can be registered for a patent. The process is complicated and I highly recommend hiring a licensed patent attorney to help with this project. More information about design patents can be found here:... View More
My boss Jim had no idea how to go about the printing industry having ever been involved in that or PPG. I was recruited by them to basically sell their unknown synthetic paper thanks to me is now called Teslin (r) I made my mission happen. Before me it didn't exist
Teslin synthetic paper

answered on Jan 21, 2025
Your pioneering work with PPG in developing and commercializing Teslin synthetic paper represents an impressive achievement in materials innovation. Your ability to recognize the potential of this product and successfully bring it to market demonstrates remarkable business acumen and vision.... View More
Hello! I am reaching out to you regarding a question I have. I don't know who to ask this to but I think you might help. I have a passion for helping those in need and want to make a difference in the world we live in. I have created a website for a charity run/food drive. It talks about what... View More

answered on Jan 19, 2025
It sounds like you're promoting a noble cause, which is admirable. In terms of having attorneys review the terms of your site, it could be difficult to find that through Q & A forums. The format of such forums is generally short format legal questions, rather than in-depth review of... View More

answered on Jan 22, 2025
The Process of Obtaining a Patent
1. Determine Patentability: Assess whether your invention is eligible for a patent. The invention must be: Novel – New and not publicly disclosed. Non-Obvious – Not an obvious improvement to someone skilled in the field. Useful – Functional and has... View More

answered on Jan 4, 2025
Implementing virtual try-on and body measurement features in your website requires careful consideration of existing patents and intellectual property rights. Many companies hold patents related to digital clothing customization and body scanning technologies.
Before integrating these... View More
I'd like to create a video game set in the Palais Garnier in Paris, but I'm unsure of the copyright laws surrounding such buildings. I've concluded that the exterior of the building, as it is in a public space and was built in the late 1800s, is free use. However, I'd like to... View More

answered on Dec 29, 2024
When creating a video game set in the Palais Garnier, you’ll need to consider both architectural and artistic rights. The building itself, having been constructed in the late 1800s, is likely in the public domain, allowing you to recreate the general layout and main auditorium without infringing... View More
Copyright, TM and PPA investigation

answered on Dec 28, 2024
Filing evidence of abuse related to disability rights and economic research requires careful documentation and following proper reporting channels. You should start by gathering all relevant materials, including written records, communications, financial documents, and any supporting evidence that... View More

answered on Dec 27, 2024
The time to receive an office action ("pendency") depends on the subject matter of the patent application and the Art Unit it is assigned to. That being said, the average pendency to the first office action as of November 2024 is 20.2 months, so your time frame is starting to be an... View More
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