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IP
protection type
Off the bat,
inventors need to know if their invention qualifies for a patent. If it does, they need to know what type of
Intellectual Property, or IP protection is needed. There are a number of questions to be
answered in determining this. Inventors
should also check if the invention has already been previously patented.
Initial
application
The next step is to
know the cost, how long it will take, and the expedited exam options. This information will help the inventor
submit the correct initial application, filing date, and initial fee.
Examiner
There will be an
examiner who will check the completed initial examination. He may or may not approve the application,
depending on their own set of rules and guidelines. If an invention’s patent application has been
rejected twice, the inventor may go to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, or
PTAB, for an appeal.
Approval
and maintenance
Finally, if the
application and patent have been approved, there will be instructions including
a Notice of Allowance, and utility and reissue patents. Patent grants are usually mailed on the issue
date, which is around a month after the approval. There are fees to be paid for patent
maintenance and protection of the invention.
Michael Melton owns TME Enterprises, and is founder and president of MEM Enterprises Group which owns, operates and manages Taco Bell and Five Guys Burgers restaurants and commercial real estate. Michael has enjoyed a distinguished career as an Intellectual Property attorney and is currently a partner at Norris & Melton P.L.L.C located in Washington, DC. To learn more about TME Enterprises, visit this blog.
Michael Melton owns TME Enterprises, and is founder and president of MEM Enterprises Group which owns, operates and manages Taco Bell and Five Guys Burgers restaurants and commercial real estate. Michael has enjoyed a distinguished career as an Intellectual Property attorney and is currently a partner at Norris & Melton P.L.L.C located in Washington, DC. To learn more about TME Enterprises, visit this blog.