: FAQs Patent Questions

The term intellectual property refers to creations of the mind - creative works or ideas embodied in a form that can be shared or can enable others to recreate, emulate, or manufacture them. There are four ways to protect intellectual property - patents, trademarks, copyrights or trade secrets.

Question: Can I link to the full patent in the USPTO Patent Full Text Database?

Answer:

Yes. By clicking on the Full Text button in the upper left corner of the patent record, you can jump to that patent in the full text database. If you are using the CD-ROM product, you must first log in to the Internet.

Question: The term of certain patents may be subject to extension or adjustments

Answer:

The terms of certain patents may be subject to extension or adjustment under 35 U.S.C. 154(b). Such extension or adjustment results from certain specified types of delays which may occur while an application is pending before the Office.

Did You Know?

You need a patent attorney or agent to file your patent application.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) strongly recommend that all prospective applicants retain the services of a registered patent attorney or patent agent to prepare and prosecute their applications.

Contact our Patent Professionals to ensure you complete the patent filing process correctly or for violation of your patent rights.

Patent Help Pages

Department of Commerce

Table 3-1. PATENTS ISSUED, FISCAL YEAR 2000

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Patent Title

Patentings

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Helpful Patent Terms

USPTO

Definition:
United States Patent and Trademark Office, designation became effective April 3, 2000; a result of the American Inventors Protection Act of 1999.

Claims

Definition:
The specification must conclude with a claim particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention or discovery.

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