The EFS-Web listserv is for patent practitioners before the USPTO. A recent series of postings prompted me to offer a reminder of the potential benefits of PCT-PPH, and prompted a list member to ask:
If you are going to pay the cost of filing a PCT, why not just file TRACK I?
Here are my suggestions why I recommend not using Track I.
Today the followers of the HBO series Silicon Valley (yes, me among them) saw the third episode. In this episode, we encounter at least two intellectual property issues.
Continue reading “Intellectual property in pop culture — “Silicon Valley” on HBO”
It’s been a while since I looked at the statistics of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board to try to guess when the Board might get around to deciding an appeal. Here’s how it looks these days.
Continue reading “When will the Board decide my patent appeal?”
As we all know, USPTO has set up many initiatives in recent years to try to reduce the 
backlog of unexamined patent applications. Many practitioners are familiar with most of these initiatives. It seems, however, that very few patent practitioners are aware of an initiative announced recently by the USPTO. The initiative, called QDPP or “Quick Disposal Pilot Program”, will essentially instantly eliminate approximately two percent of the backlog, and should lead to some applications being allowed very quickly.
Continue reading “A little-known USPTO initiative to reduce the backlog”
In previous postings I have mentioned reasons why filers should use ePCT, WIPO’s system that lets you see the status and content of your pending PCT applications. Here are three more reasons.
Continue reading “Three more reasons why you should use ePCT”
The US and Europe do not agree on when to start and when to stop Daylight Saving Time. The US started DST on March 9, 2014, and Europe started DST today, March 30. This is important for US filers who file things at WIPO.
Continue reading “For those filing at WIPO, a time zone change”
USPTO has announced a Glossary Pilot Program to Promote Patent Claim Clarity. The program promises to push your patent application to the front of the line (make it “special”) if you provide a glossary in the detailed description portion of the specification, providing a definition of each important term used in the application. This Glossary Program is a fascinating concept and it provides yet another reminder that there are smart people inside of the USPTO who are willing to try all kinds of approaches in the hope that some of the approaches will turn out to help with our shared goals such as promoting science and the useful arts. Should you recommend this Glossary Program to your clients?
Continue reading “Should you use USPTO’s new Glossary Pilot Program?”
This coming Monday, March 24, I will be at the Kellogg Center of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, speaking at the 2014 Intellectual Property Law Spring Seminar sponsored by the The Intellectual Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. My topic is “PCT Practice Tactics and Strategies”.
Continue reading “Hello Michigan intellectual property practitioners!”
USPTO is closed today, Monday, March 17 as a snow day.
Anything that you might have needed to file today to meet a USPTO due date may be postponed until tomorrow, Tuesday March 18. But there are some things to watch out for.
I never knew this, but it seems that it used to be a patent appellant could pay patent appeal fees by means of a general authorization to charge a Deposit Account.
Starting May 1, 2014, this will no longer be possible. The appellant that tries to rely upon a general authorization will fail and risks having the appeal dismissed.
Continue reading “USPTO tightens up fee payment options for patent appeals effective May 1, 2014”
