Prosecution of a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application begins with the filing of the international application, passes through international examination, and eventually enters the national or regional phases. Key stages in PCT application prosecution:   Filing the PCT Application: The process starts with the filing of a PCT application with the International Bureau (IB) or […]

If the examiner is satisfied, a Notice of Allowance is issued. This means the patent will be granted after you pay the issue fee. For utility patents, maintenance fees must be paid at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years after the patent is granted to keep the patent in force.

In U.S. patent prosecution, an interview with the examiner is a meeting opportunity between the patent applicant or their attorney with the patent examiner. This interview provides an opportunity to discuss the merits of the application, address rejections or objections raised by the examiner, and clarify any misinterpretations. Purpose of the Interview Resolve Issues: The […]

Responding to objections in an office action is a crucial part of the patent application process. A well-prepared response can significantly impact the outcome of the application. At SciTech Patent Art, we offer expert assistance in analyzing objections, drafting responses, and navigating the complexities of the examination process to ensure that the patent application progresses […]

The “Statement regarding the working of a patented invention” is a formal document required by patent offices to provide information on how a patented invention is being utilized or worked. This statement typically includes details about the information on whether the patented invention is being commercially exploited or used in the country where the patent […]

Payments of renewal or maintenance fees are required to keep a granted patent in force and maintain its legal protection. These fees are typically paid periodically (e.g., annually or at specific intervals) to the patent office. Failure to make timely payments can result in the expiration of the patent and the loss of exclusive rights. […]

Post-grant opposition is a crucial process for ensuring the validity of patents and protecting public interest. By effectively preparing and managing a post-grant opposition, one can challenge patents that may not meet the required criteria for patentability. At SciTech Patent Art, we provide expert assistance in preparing and filing post-grant oppositions, helping our clients navigate […]

Pre-grant oppositions are a vital tool for ensuring that patents are only granted for truly novel and non-obvious inventions. Properly preparing and managing a pre-grant opposition involves a detailed understanding of the patent application, gathering compelling evidence, and following procedural requirements. At SciTech Patent Art, we provide comprehensive support for preparing and filing pre-grant oppositions, […]

Submitting effective hearing responses is crucial for advancing the patent application and addressing any objections or concerns raised during the hearing. At SciTech Patent Art, we assist in drafting and submitting comprehensive responses, ensuring that the arguments are well-presented and persuasive while also ensuring that all procedural requirements are met. Our goal is to support […]

Attending a patent hearing requires careful and thorough preparation, and clear presentation of the arguments within the stipulated time frame. It’s a crucial opportunity to address objections, clarify issues, and support the patentability of the claimed invention. At SciTech Patent Art, we prepare meticulously for patent hearings, ensuring effective presentation of the case and addressing […]

Responding to objections in an examination report is a crucial part of the patent application process. A well-prepared response can significantly impact the outcome of the application. At SciTech Patent Art, we offer expert assistance in analyzing objections, drafting responses, and navigating the complexities of the examination process to ensure that the patent application progresses […]

Requesting early publication involves asking the patent office to publish the patent application before the standard publication date, which is typically 18 months from the filing date. This request can expedite the process, making the invention available to public in 3-4 weeks. Early publication can be beneficial for various reasons, such as establishing a public […]

A Request for Examination (RFE) is a formal request made to the patent office to examine the patent application. This step is necessary for the application to proceed through the patenting process. In many jurisdictions, the examination does not begin automatically after filing. Instead, the applicant must submit an RFE within a specified time frame. […]

A patent of addition or continuation-in-part application is filed to place something on top of an existing patent as an improvement or modification, offering protection for enhancements that strengthen the original invention. Key Features of a Patent of Addition or Continuation-in-part (C-I-P): Dependent on the Original Patent: A Patent of Addition or C-I-P application is […]

Drafting a complete (non-provisional) patent specification is a critical step in securing robust patent protection for an invention. The complete specification must be thorough, clear, and technically accurate, as it determines the scope of legal protection the patent will provide. Any ambiguity or lack of detail can lead to challenges during patent prosecution or limit […]

A provisional specification is a preliminary patent application document that is filed to establish an early filing date (priority date) and allows the inventor to use the term “Patent Pending” for their invention. When drafting a provisional specification, it’s essential to provide a comprehensive description of the invention, including its purpose, structure, and method of […]

A provisional specification is a preliminary patent application document that is filed to establish an early filing date (priority date) and allows the inventor to use the term “Patent Pending” for their invention. When drafting a provisional specification, it’s essential to provide a comprehensive description of the invention, including its purpose, structure, and method of […]

Design applications focus on the protection of the ornamental design of a functional item, detailing the visual appearance rather than the technical aspects. We provide support for the below steps involved in securing a design patent.  The design application is prepared to contain the below: A clear and descriptive title for the design A description […]

An international patent application can be filed through Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). PCT provides a streamlined process for filing patent applications in multiple countries through a single international application. A PCT application allows inventors to take a decision on global filing over a period of 30 or 31 months. Key Features of an International Application (PCT Application): Single […]

As patent rights are territorial, it is essential to secure protection for the invention in multiple jurisdictions. A Convention patent application is filed to claim priority based on an earlier patent application filed in another member country of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. This mechanism allows inventors to file a patent application in […]

Divisional applications are filed when the patent examiner issues a “lack of unity” objection, indicating that the claims cover multiple inventions that need to be pursued in separate applications. Key Features of a Divisional Application: Focus of Claims: Divisional applications often arise when the original application contains multiple inventions or claims that the patent office deems […]

Why is this step crucial? Prevents Patent Rejections: By conducting a comprehensive prior art search, potential obstacles can be identified before filing the patent application. This allows making necessary adjustments, thereby minimizing the risk of rejection by the patent office. Define the breadth of the claims: Understanding the prior art before drafting the patent application […]

The pre-drafting phase of the patent process is essential for building a strong and defensible patent application. This begins with detailed discussions with the inventors to thoroughly understand the novel features, technical intricacies, and potential applications of the invention. This is an iterative process that helps in capturing the essence of the invention, thereby ensuring […]