Based on experience registering and litigating trademarks in video games, I can assure you they are very important elements of protecting your exclusive rights not only in the game's name but also game features. You would be wise to file an "intent to use" application as soon as you... View More

James L. Arrasmith Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 6, 2023

Congratulations on the upcoming release of your game! Protecting your intellectual property through patents and trademarks is an important step in safeguarding your game and brand.

Here are some best practices to consider when it comes to patenting and trademarking:

Conduct a... View More

It is virtually impossible to provide generalized best practices in just a few paragraphs, as registering a trademark with the USPTO is a fact-specific, multi-step process.

If you'd like to register your trademark yourself, the USPTO has a free virtual bootcamp that teaches the basics... View More

Stephen E. Zweig Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 3, 2023

It depends on how ownership of the patent is structured, and the terms of the investment.

For example, investors often require that the inventor assign the patent to a company. The inventor will presumably own shares in the company. When the investor invests, then the investor owns shares... View More

Dear Mrs or Mr,

if you want to be more sure that your invention will not be stolen, there is an option to sign non-disclosure agreement with your business partner/company you are talking to about your idea. Always inform such company that you insist on signing this before you talk about... View More

This might help. The USPTO has a network of providers that provide pro bono assistance to inventors that cannot afford patent attorneys.

https://www.uspto.gov/patents/basics/using-legal-services/pro-bono/patent-pro-bono-program

There are also legal clinics at some law schools... View More

I actually don't know because this isn't my area of expertise. Since this is most likely a valid question in any state, you may consider reposting in California, New York, etc.

Your question remains open for two weeks. You could try reposting under the category "Patents (Intellectual Property)." There's no guarantee that all questions are picked up, but you would have better chances of a response there. Product liability is more about injuries from... View More

To understand what exclusive right is possessed by the patent owner, it is necessary to read the claims of the patent. The patent only provides the exclusive right to practice what is specified in the claims. Claims 1, 21, and 22 in this patent are independent claims. Unless a possible infringer... View More

The first stage of this problem is not a patent question. Seems that at the core, that you had a contract with someone to do something for you. You said that you paid and provided material for them to use on the project and they did not perform. You should start with contact with an attorney... View More

You really need to contact a patent attorney to help you. The patent attorney should be able to tell you whether your company's product (or service) infringes of that patent or not.

If it looks like that your product infringes on the patent, then you have several options. You could... View More

US Patent No. 7631814 for Portable Sports Equipment Scent Dispersion Apparatus is listed in Google Patents as expired for failure to pay a maintenance fee. If you are the patent owner and the failure to pay the maintenance fee was unintentional, this can be fixed.

Ideally, a patent... View More

Be careful on this

if it is on request of the owner of the car, and it is limited, you may be ok

you should definitely consult with an attorney before jumping in

This happens, unfortunately, all the time.

If you have a patent on your invention, then go see a patent litigator to give you options on how to get some sort of licensing agreement of your patent in place, or to file a suit.

Good luck!

A US patent is valid only in the US. You can use a PCT application, if you are still within the time limits, to file in other PCT countries. That requires a new application.

We do not have an option for an international patent. (Yes, I know many people write that they have an international patent, but they are wrong). We have a type of patent application that is the front end for many patent system. This is called a Patent Cooperation Treaty Application (PCT... View More

I am not a patent attorney, but you cannot patent an idea - it has to be an actual invention/product. With that being said, you can retain an attorney to draft a contract that would offer you some protection in the event your idea was stolen.