Intellectual Property | A View from the Valley

Perspectives on issues affecting founders, startups and investors from a veteran startup lawyer in Silicon Valley

Category Archives: Intellectual Property

Startups writing patents: Patent Office Announces “Prioritized” Examination for a Fee

Update to below: the start date for prioritized patents has been postponed indefinitely due to a lack of resources. Patent applicants will soon be able to “prioritize” their applications by paying an additional fee to U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Beginning May 4, for an additional $4,000, the USPTO will aim to provide a…

Patent Office Extends Pilot Program Fast-tracking Green Technology Innovations

posted Nov 16 in Intellectual Property

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently announced an extension of the Green Technology Pilot Program until December 31, 2011. The pilot program provides for expedited processing of patent applications pertaining to environmental quality, energy conservation, development of renewable energy resources, or greenhouse gas emission reduction.

What’s in a name? How to Protect Your Company’s Trademarks Before Setting Up Shop (Intent to Use)

posted Jun 15 in Intellectual Property, Startups

As a startup, you should consider the critical issue of whether to protect the trademarks that will be used in your business. A trademark is any distinctive word, name, symbol or other indicator that distinguishes your products or services. Given the variety of similar types of products and services available to the consumer to satisfy…