Effective June 1st, the U.S. Patent Office updated its fee schedule to reflect an increase in the search fee for international patent applications that designate the Japan Patent Office (JPO) as International Searching Authority. The search fee increased from $1,385 to $1,465. The current fee schedule for all International Searching Authorities is: For patent applicants, designating the USPTO as ISA provides the opportunity to qualify for reduced fees (small entity or micro entity). However, cost should be just one of the factors considered when deciding which ISA to designate for a patent application.
Many of my clients opt for a foreign patent office as ISA based upon their potential markets. Not only will the search be different in scope, but it may be more relevant if the subject technology primarily resides in a country outside the United States. The European Patent Office remains the most expensive option for ISA, while Australia, Singapore and Japan remain in an intermediate cluster. The choice of ISA could impact a patent applicant’s future prosecution, both within the United States and globally. Cost, value, potential markets, and technical relevance are important factors to consider when selecting an International Searching Authority.
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This month, Weaver Legal and Consulting is 5 years old! Weaver Legal was founded in 2013 based upon 16 years of intellectual property (IP) experience in both private and corporate practice. As a full-service intellectual property firm, Weaver Legal utilizes all areas of IP, including patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright to protect your valuable ideas. Here are some highlights of my practice: Global legal practice Represent clients on 5 continents Representative patent technologies: ● Medical devices ● Crosslinking agents for coating technologies ● Drug release coatings ● Implantable three-dimensional scaffolds ● Neural transfection technology ● Cell culture devices and coatings ● Scaffolds for electrically excitable cells ● Polymer coating compositions ● Composite technology – fabric & polymeric based ● Desiccant materials ● Fire suppression compositions Representative trademark industries: ● Cell culture devices ● Polymer coating compositions ● Medical device coatings ● Chemical reagents ● Bakery services ● Café services ● Retail services ● Composite technologies ● Apparel ● Hormone therapy services ● Fire extinguishing compositions Community: Included in the 2017 Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission Pro Bono Honor Society. Pro bono legal work includes: ● New local business start-ups ● New & existing nonprofit organizations in Wisconsin and Minnesota These first 5 years have brought much excitement and growth for Weaver Legal, and I can’t wait to see what the next 5 years bring. How can I help you? |
AuthorKarrie Weaver practices intellectual property, trademark, patent, and trade secret law. Archives
February 2021
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