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What do dashed lines in a design patent mean?

Patent Trademark Blog

What is the meaning of broken or dashed lines in a design patent? While I’m not sure if you can call it a loophole, US design patents enable a particular option in the drawings that can potentially broaden protection. In a US design patent, the claimed design comprises what is drawn in solid lines.

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Can you file a design patent continuation application?

Patent Trademark Blog

What is a design patent continuation application? US patent law allows an applicant to file a “child” patent application while the “parent” application is still pending. This rule applies to both utility and design patent applications. Be careful though.

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When Is Trade Secret Protection the Right Choice?

The IP Law Blog

Companies rely on intellectual property (“IP”) rights to protect their valuable information, creations, and branding. IP rights come in several forms: copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets. While there are certain rights in common law trademarks, greater protection is afforded by registering the mark with the USPTO.

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China Accedes to the Hague Convention and Now Allows for International Design Filings

IP Tech Blog

China has been negotiating such accession for a few years, and it was partly anticipated by certain measures of harmonization introduced with the latest amendment to the patent law in 2019, for example, the extension of a design patent duration from 10 to 15 years.

Designs 67
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Ho, Ho, Ho and Fa-La-La-La-La: Christmas Patents

The IP Law Blog

Or, as the patent describes, the parent can secretly pull the cord and turn on the light.) The purpose of this invention, according to the inventors, is to reassure children that their good behavior was rewarded by Santa. But the inventors of this invention came up with a solution, so they must think there is a problem.

Patent 98
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When is the best time to file a patent?

Patent Trademark Blog

When is the second best time to apply for patents? If you have already publicly disclosed your invention, the second best time to file patents would be within one year of your earliest public disclosure date. US patent laws give inventors a 1-year grace period to apply for US patents.

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When Is Trade Secret Protection the Right Choice?

LexBlog IP

Companies rely on intellectual property (“IP”) rights to protect their valuable information, creations, and branding. IP rights come in several forms: copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets. And with patents, the only protection arises when the USPTO issues a patent on an invention.