NEWS & UPDATES
Reshoring And The Rising Value Of U.S. Patents: How Domestic Manufacturing Revives Patent Power
As U.S. manufacturing returns under new federal policies, the relevance and enforceability of American patents will undergo a resurgence. We explore how reshoring amplifies patent value and enforcement leverage, shifting the strategic landscape for innovators and IP owners.
Esplin & Associates Obtains Positive Result in Federal Circuit Appeal
Better late than never - Finally after an appeal to the Federal Circuit is initiated, the USPTO acknowledges improprieties in a PTAB decision.
101 South – A quick roundup of Patent Eligibility news
The first in a series of periodic updates on the status of the Patent Eligibility Requirement of (allegedly) 35 U.S.C. Section 101, and in particular the exception for "abstract ideas.
IAM Strategy 300, Again
Congratulations to Ben on this remarkable achievement! His dedication and vision inspire our team and clients alike, and we are excited to see the continued impact of his work in the world of IP strategy.
Protecting Innovation With Trade Secrets And Patents, Simultaneously
Innovators don’t have to choose between patents and trade secrets—they can use both strategically to maximize protection. By carefully managing disclosure and timing, businesses can preserve trade secret value while keeping the door open to patent protection.
Why Trade Secrets May Be The Most Important Form Of IP For AI Innovation
AI innovations are often best protected as trade secrets, since their most valuable components—like proprietary algorithms and data—are hidden from users and competitors, offering long-lasting protection without public disclosure. While patents still play a role, the confidential nature and rapid evolution of AI make trade secret protection a more strategic choice for many technology companies.
TRADE SECRETS – Some Basic Considerations and Strategy
Recent high-profile trade secret cases show how seriously courts are taking protection of proprietary information. While the legal requirements are simple—identify secrets and take reasonable measures to protect them—companies must carefully balance security with day-to-day operations to safeguard their competitive edge.
Inventor Thank You Packages
For patent attorneys, inventors make the world go around. Without their creativity, insight, skill, and ingenuity we would have to find a different way to feed ourselves. Our firm, very recently, began sending out Thank You Packages to inventors of patents we have obtained for clients.
Some More Thoughts On “AI”
Fresh from the HumanX Conference, I found AI’s rapid rise outpacing practical use. While hype persists, bold predictions—like a future run by bi-pedal robots—seem unrealistic. As AI matures, its true impact remains to be seen.
Intellectual Property Capture
Forming a comprehensive intellectual property strategy includes capturing intellectual property rights for the company
Transition of Leadership at the USPTO
A new incoming Director to be appointed at the USPTO
New USPTO Fees For Continuation Applications With Older Priority Dates
New USPTO Fees will have a chilling effect on continuations being filed in patent families with older priority dates
USPTO Backs Off On Proposed Rule Regarding Terminal Disclaimers
Earlier today, the USPTO withdrew a proposed rule that would have dramatically effected the relatively common practice of filing a “terminal disclaimer” to overcome a judicially-created rejection commonly known as “obviousness-type double patenting.
The Case Against Provisional Patent Applications
A Provisional Patent Application may ultimately cause intellectual property rights to be compromised, rather than protected.