Search Trademark

Logos play an important part in marketing and brand recognition. Take, for example, Nike s Swoosh, Mercedes-Benz s Star, or Target s Bullseye. These logos have become immediately recognizable as identifying the source of particular goods and services. Typically, companies will invest a lot of capital developing a flashy or eye-catching logo in order to build strong brand recognition. However, in building this brand recognition, companies, especially small businesses, may sometimes overlook the importance of protecting their logos through the trademark registration process.

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There s nothing new under the sun is probably the one phrase no inventor wants to hear, seldom believes, and is always trying to prove wrong.

However, moving too quickly to prototype stage and first disclosure can turn out to be costly for the inventor who doesn t take the time to find out if his or her invention is already patented.

Yet, with over 3000 utility patents being issued each week in the United States, that can seem like a daunting if not downright impossible task.

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One of the primary things to do when a commercially viable idea hits the brain is to search for a patent for the concept. A patent allows for the conversion of the concept into a business and prohibits others from infringing on the idea. Commonly, patent searches through patent search offices entail some footwork as well as money.

However, with the onslaught of the Internet, there are several free patent searches available. Free patent searches are powered by search engines, and contain databases that include all patents applied for over the past few years (within the patentable period, which generally implies 20 years in the US). Past inventions are carefully documented, with pictures and features wherever needed. As soon

as a keyword is typed in the search bar, a search is triggered that displays similar concept patents that may have been given. It is important to type a relevant keyword, as this will affect the results of the search. It is advisable to try searching using different keywords.

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Provisional Utility Patents

Provisional utility patents are common for inventors who need a quick patent, but do not have time to wait for a regular one. By filing a provisional patent, the invention is granted a temporary patent until a more detailed application can be filed.

A provisional patent application is seen as the low budget version of the patent process. It is usually carried out by companies or inventors wanting to find a cheaper way to file a utility application with the Patents and Trademark Office. The reason many people prefer to file a provisional application is due to the fact that a provisional application can be used when an invention has to be altered or

changed during the life of the invention, and it can decrease the amount of money spent during the patent process. The provisional application is also used by inventors to increase the number of years available on the patent. For these reasons, many people will file a provisional application rather than a regular patent application.

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This brief article will give you a good breakdown of what a patent is.

When someone has an idea for a new product, it is necessary to file for ownership of the idea, especially if the industry is competitive enough for someone to want to steal it. In order to be recognized as the legitimate owner of something you have invented, you will need to fill out a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (henceforth USPTO), to legally hold ownership for this invention. This right of ownership of the invention prevents other people from manufacturing the product without your consent.

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