NEWS & UPDATES
CATEGORIES
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.
(Some Of) The Value Of Examiner Interviews
One of the cornerstone principles that we have grown to rely upon is the use of Examiner Interviews early in the application process
Challenges to Patenting Blockchain Innovation
“Blockchain” technology will fundamentally transform human society
What do you mean, what do you mean? Artificial intelligence word soup
The rapid rise of generative AI has led to confusion around key terms like "AI," "machine learning," "agents," and "wrappers," which are often used incorrectly. This lack of precise language creates challenges in explaining AI projects to investors, clients, and even within the tech community. In this post, we discuss the importance of establishing clear, standardized terminology to improve communication and foster better understanding of AI innovations.
How a Patent Portfolio Benefits an Early-Stage Company
A strong patent portfolio can significantly boost an early-stage company's fundraising efforts by addressing investor concerns about defensibility and competitive advantage. In this blog post, we explore how securing patents not only provides legal protection but also helps streamline investor conversations, allowing founders to focus on innovation and growth. Learn why a well-managed patent portfolio is a valuable asset for startups seeking long-term success.
Berkeley SkyDeck Demo Day
Berkeley SkyDeck Demo Day is a chance for SkyDeck's current batch of startups to present to inventors. Ben Esplin will be attending the upcoming event as an advisor for the UC Berkeley SkyDeck Accelerator program.
IAM Strategy 300
We're thrilled to announce that Ben Esplin, the founder and president of Esplin & Associates, has been recognized as one of the IAM Strategy 300.
Patent Protection for Computer-Implemented Innovation
While computer-implemented innovations sometimes face fierce resistance at the USPTO, Esplin & Associates celebrates the recent grant of two software-based patents, both allowed without any rejections.
Esplin & Associates Launches AI-Powered Patent Preparation
Esplin & Associates is proud to introduce its AI-powered patent preparation service, offering a cutting-edge solution that enhances efficiency while maintaining the highest legal standards. This innovative service combines advanced AI tools with the firm's legal expertise, enabling tech companies to streamline their patent drafting process and gain a competitive edge in protecting intellectual property.
The Untapped Power of AI-Generated Patent Applications in Standards Essential Patents
Standards Essential Patents (SEPs) are vital in industries like telecommunications and consumer electronics, where companies race to secure patents essential to industry standards. The traditional patent drafting process can be slow and costly, creating a bottleneck in filing SEPs. However, AI-generated patent applications offer a solution by accelerating the drafting process, reducing costs, and increasing scalability. This technology enables companies to file patents quickly and efficiently, providing a competitive edge in the fast-moving world of standards. AI’s speed and precision make it a game-changer for building SEP portfolios.
Congratulations Ponder!
Congratulations to the talented inventors of PONDER on their two recently issued patents!
Success With Patent Eligibility Rejections
Navigating the complexities of patent eligibility rejections under 35 U.S.C. § 101 can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with the often conflicting interpretations between the USPTO and the Federal Circuit. But these rejections don’t have to be a dead end. Instead, they can be a crucial part of the journey toward securing a patent. By understanding the nuances of the Alice/Mayo Test, staying organized in your arguments, and remaining persistent, you can turn these challenges into opportunities for success.
Patexia Ranking 2023
A recent article available at Patexia.com highlighted our position (10th) in their rankings of law firm overall performance for patent application preparation and prosecution in 2023. We are proud that our firm has ranked in the top ten for overall performance every year we have been eligible, since our founding in 2019.