Category: Startup IP

General IP Strategy, In-House IP, IP News, Patent Strategy, Startup IP

Patent 10,000,000 is here!

Daniel Sherwinter

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued a press release today announcing U.S. Patent No. 10,000,000, issued to the Raytheon Company for a new type of coherent Ladar invented by Joseph Marron.  This will be the first patent to get a brand new cover design.  If you are curious about patents and inventors of the past, the USPTO has a great web resource here.

newpatentcover

 

General IP Strategy, In-House IP, Patent Strategy, Startup IP

PRO vs. CON: Provisional patent applications

Daniel Sherwinter

[Before you read this post, read the IP Strategist disclaimer]
Patents can be very valuable, but also very expensive. So what about “provisional patents”? I almost always talk people out of filing provisionals. However, as with all other forms of IP, provisionals have their place. And when used in the right ways at the right times for the right reasons, they can provide tremendous value.  Continue reading “PRO vs. CON: Provisional patent applications” →

General IP Strategy, In-House IP, Patent Strategy, Startup IP

Maximizing Value from Patents (Part 2: Benefits)

Daniel Sherwinter

[Before you read this post, read the IP Strategist disclaimer]

Part 2 of this multi-part post focuses on the BENEFIT side of a cost/benefit analysis of obtaining patent protection.

Continue reading “Maximizing Value from Patents (Part 2: Benefits)” →

General IP Strategy, In-House IP, Patent Strategy, Startup IP

Maximizing Value from Patents (Part 1: The Costs)

Daniel Sherwinter

[Before you read this post, read the IP Strategist disclaimer]

Part 1 of this multi-part post focuses on the cost side of a cost/benefit analysis of obtaining patent protection.

Continue reading “Maximizing Value from Patents (Part 1: The Costs)” →

General IP Strategy, In-House IP, Startup IP, Trademark Strategy

Beware the Court of Public Opinion

Daniel Sherwinter

[Before you read this post, read the IP Strategist disclaimer]

What do Barbara Streisand, urinals, and craft beer have in common? They have taught us that having enforceable IP rights doesn’t mean you have to enforce them.

Continue reading “Beware the Court of Public Opinion” →

In-House IP, Patent Strategy, Startup IP

Should You Patent Your App?

Daniel Sherwinter

[Before you read this post, read the IP Strategist disclaimer]

Well… it depends. Sometimes yes, most times no. Importantly, while people will say the software is not patentable, that is simply not true. Patents on innovations implemented in software are available and can be enormously valuable. But they may also be expensive or otherwise ill-advised in many instances. It is important not to jump in without a good understanding of the pros and cons as they relate to your business value and overall strategy. That said, it is also important to consult a patent attorney early and often to make sure you aren’t missing critical dates and losing rights.

Continue reading “Should You Patent Your App?” →

General IP Strategy, In-House IP, Patent Strategy, Startup IP, Trademark Strategy

A-PLuS – IP in a Value-Growth Mindset

Daniel Sherwinter

[Before you read this post, read the IP Strategist disclaimer]

Acquiring IP assets should never be the end goal.  IP is a vehicle, and IP strategy is the road.  Without IP, an organization spins its wheels or must constantly change course. But when used properly, IP can drive an organization ever forward with sustained competitive value.

Continue reading “A-PLuS – IP in a Value-Growth Mindset” →