Checklist FAQ About Patents

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Sample of our checklist faq about patents template:

CHECKLIST Frequently-Asked Questions about Patents (USA) What do the terms "patent pending" and "patent applied for" mean? They are used by a manufacturer or seller of an article to inform the public that an application for a patent on that article is on file in the Patent and Trademark Office. The law imposes a fine on those who use these terms falsely to deceive the public. Is there any danger that the Patent and Trademark Office will give others information contained in my application while it is pending? No. All patent applications are maintained in the strictest confidence until the patent is issued. After the patent is issued, however, the Office file containing the application and all correspondence leading up to issuance of the patent is made available in the Files Information Unit for inspection by anyone and copies of these files may be purchased from the Office. May I write to the Patent and Trademark Office directly about my application after it is filed? The 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 correspond with both you and the attorney/agent concerning the merits of your application. All comments concerning your application should be forwarded through your attorney or agent. Is it necessary to go to the PTO to transact business concerning patent matters? No. Most business with the Office is conducted by correspondence. Interviews regarding pending applications can be arranged with examiners if necessary, however, and are often helpful. If two or more persons work together to make an invention, to whom will the patent be granted? If each had a share in the ideas forming the invention, they 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 provided all of the ideas of the invention, and the other has only followed instructions in making it, the person who contributed the ideas is the sole inventor and the patent application and patent shall be in his/her name alone. Does the Patent and Trademark Office control the fees charged by patent attorneys and agents for their services? No. This is a matter between you and your patent attorney or agent in which the 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) Patent and Trademark Office prosecution