Get free answers to your Patents (Intellectual Property) legal questions from lawyers in your area.
My dad has past and he have property in Indiana but his wife that's not legally married has the property and her name is on it the only reason she got the house because they thought they were married my dad have two daughters my oldest sister do not want the house but I do who do I talk to and... View More 
answered on Nov 6, 2017
So sorry, you question was posted to the patent/invention area. You may want to delete the patent topic.
Best wishes to seek a solution with respect to your father's property.
Kevin
I made something in 2010 and sold some via a website. I did not patent it due to prohibitive patent cost.
Someone else patented a similar item 6 yrs later. When they received that patent the patent examiner cited my item and website in the approved patent.
Can I still make and sell... View More
answered on Feb 27, 2017
This is a common question, that has been litigated a number of times. The good news for you is that the courts usually rule against the patent owner, and in favor of people in your position.
This has to do with fairness. If you are making and selling your invention, you cannot all of the... View More
answered on Mar 23, 2011
This can't be answered in the abstract - some companies are legitimate and some do a very poor job. No. The Patent Office publishes complaints regarding invention promoters and replies from the invention promoters. Questions or complaints can be sent to Mail Stop 24; Director of the U.S.... View More
answered on Mar 22, 2011
The Patent Office will answer an applicant's inquiries as to the status of the application, and inform you whether your application has been rejected, allowed, or is awaiting action. However, if you have a patent attorney or agent of record in the application file the Office will not... View More
Or furnishes the money for building and testing the invention, should the patent application be filed by the first and second persons jointly?
answered on Mar 22, 2011
No. The application must be signed by the true inventor, and filed with the Patent Office, in the inventor's name. This is the person who furnishes the ideas (e.g. the first person in the above fact pattern), not the employer or the person who furnishes the money.
Paul... View More
answered on Mar 22, 2011
"Patent pending" means you applied for a patent, and the application is still active - it has not been finally rejected, or, issued as a patent. "Patent applied for" is not a commonly used term, but it means that a patent application was filed, even though it could have been... View More
answered on Mar 22, 2011
Some patent owners file many individual suits in different jurisdictions against purported infringers, with the hope that they can obtain quick settlements. However, it can potentially be prudent for the various defendants to join forces and have all the various lawsuits consolidated in one court... View More
answered on Mar 21, 2011
First, it is not a good idea to disclose your invention in a public forum like this until you have determined whether your invention is patentable. That being said, there is not sufficient information to determine patentability. It would be necessary to learn more information about your invention,... View More
answered on Mar 15, 2011
No, you do not need a lawyer to file for a patent. The US Patent Office website lists the requirements for a patent application here: http://www.uspto.gov/patents/resources/types/utility.jsp However, it is a good idea to use an lawyer if you have not been through the patent process before. Most lay... View More
answered on Jan 16, 2011
"Patent pending" means you applied for a patent, and the application is still active - it has not been finally rejected, or, issued as a patent. "Patent applied for" is not a commonly used term, but it means that a patent application was filed, even though it could have been... View More
answered on Jan 15, 2011
This can't be answered in the abstract - some companies are legitimate and some do a very poor job. No. The Patent Office publishes complaints regarding invention promoters and replies from the invention promoters. Questions or complaints can be sent to Mail Stop 24; Director of the U.S.... View More
answered on Jan 15, 2011
No, the Patent Office will not make this choice for you. However, a general attorney may help you in making a selection from among those listed as registered practitioners on the Office roster. Also, some bar associations operate lawyer referral services that maintain lists of patent lawyers... View More
answered on Jan 14, 2011
No. The price is between you and your patent attorney, and the Patent Office takes no part. To avoid misunderstanding you may wish to ask for estimate charges for: (a) the search (b) preparation of the patent application, and (c) prosecution.
Paul Overhauser
317 891-1500
www.overhauser.com
A second person employs the first person or furnishes the money for building and testing the invention, should the patent application be filed by the first and second persons jointly?
answered on Jan 14, 2011
No. The application must be signed by the true inventor, and filed with the Patent Office, in the inventor's name. This is the person who furnishes the ideas (e.g. the first person in the above fact pattern), not the employer or the person who furnishes the money.
Paul... View More
answered on Jan 14, 2011
If both you and your friend had a share in the ideas forming the invention as defined in the claims – even if only as to one claim, you are joint inventors and a patent will be issued to them jointly on the basis of a proper patent application. If, on the other hand, one of these persons has... View More
answered on Jan 14, 2011
No. Most business with the Office is conducted by email and written correspondence. Interviews regarding pending applications can be arranged with examiners if necessary and are often helpful.
Paul Overhauser
317 891-1500
www.overhauser.com
answered on Jan 14, 2011
The Patent Office will answer an applicant's inquiries as to the status of the application, and inform you whether your application has been rejected, allowed, or is awaiting action. However, if you have a patent attorney or agent of record in the application file the Office will not... View More
answered on Jan 14, 2011
Most patent applications filed on or after November 29, 2000, will be published 18 months after the filing date of the application, or any earlier filing date relied upon under Title 35, United States Code. Otherwise, all patent applications are maintained in the strictest confidence until the... View More
answered on Jan 14, 2011
There are many factors to consider in determining a reasonable royalty. Under Supreme Court precedent, there are 15 factors (known as the Georgia-Pacific factors) to consider in a patent infringement lawsuit. These were first articulated in Georgia-Pacific Corp. v. U.S. Plywood Corp., 318 F.... View More
answered on Jan 5, 2011
Some patent owners file many individual suits in different jurisdictions against purported infringers, with the hope that they can obtain quick settlements. However, it can potentially be prudent for the various defendants to join forces and have all the various lawsuits consolidated in one court... View More
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