"Ask Dr. Patentstein" for a free US Patent in PDF format or for a Hint on Patent strategy

Recent Answers from Dr. Patentstein

Q. I don't have a patent yet, so how do I make sure no one steals my ideas, if I approach a company and ask them if they are interested - is non-disclosure statement enough? posted Thursday 25 of April 2013 by James [intellectual property] A. An NDA or confidentiality agreement may, under certain circumstances, be enough, at least for a limited amount of time. However, A... view tags: patent, non-disclosure, statement, idea, company

Q. I have a provisional patent for the concept behind and the novel use of technology for a free to play social game. The concept has since evolved to development as a mobile app. I have a short time to file the non provisional application and need to know if the IP is worth spending the money to protect? posted Tuesday 23 of April 2013 by Michelle [intellectual property] A. The best answer to this question is another question: What do you have if you don't file the non-provisional application? Essenti... view tags: social, game, concept, patent, provisional, mobile app

Q. I am a designer of custom clothing. I have a design where particular jewels are attached to the clothing in a particular pattern & style. I know anyone could do it, but would something like that qualify for a patent? posted Friday 19 of April 2013 by phil [patent filing] A. You should be able to get a design patent on your new clothing design. As for as a traditional Utility Patent, that's unlikely, u... view tags: designer, design, clothes, jewels, patent

Q. Does your copyright symbol and notice need to include the year? posted Wednesday 17 of April 2013 by Scott [copyrights] A. Yes, the owner and the year created as well as the year last modified. view tags: copyright, notice, year, symbol

Q. If I am issued a utility patent can someone else submit a design patent and legally sell my product? posted Monday 15 of April 2013 by Paul [patent filing] A. No, provided that your utility patent is valid and infringed by the product protected by the design patent. view tags: utility, design, patent, submit, legally, sell

Providing initial English-language answers to your English, French or German questions about international patent and trademark matters, more specifically, US, European and Chinese patent and trademark law and the related registration processes.