Jan 26, 2026

What is IDS, and its requirements when applying for a U.S. patent?

An Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) is a formal submission to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that lists prior art or other information known to the applicant that may be relevant to patentability. Filing an IDS fulfills the applicant’s duty of candor and good faith to the USPTO under 37 C.F.R. § 1.56.

Jan 22, 2026

Is One Trademark Still Enough for Your Expanding Brand?

Many businesses use the new year to launch new products, services, or logos—yet often make the critical oversight of failing to update their trademark protection. What safeguarded your initial brand may not cover your current full range of offerings, leaving significant areas of your business legally unprotected. As your company grows, your trademark strategy must grow with it.

Jan 19, 2026

Is SEO still effective for small businesses in the AI era

Yes—SEO is still effective for small businesses in the AI era, provided it is executed with the correct objectives and scope. In fact, for many small businesses, SEO is more defensible than paid acquisition when adapted properly.

Jan 15, 2026

From Digital File to Tangible Asset: Professional Printing & Mailing for Your U.S. Trademark Registration Certificate

In the intricate journey of securing a U.S. trademark—navigating searches, applications, and examinations—the moment of triumph is the arrival of your official Trademark Registration Certificate from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This document is the tangible proof of your brand's federal protection, a critical asset for enforcement and business credibility. Yet, the process doesn't end with the USPTO's issuance.

Jan 12, 2026

Humor in Branding: A Look at Legally Registered Trademarks

The article highlights quirky yet legally registered trademarks (e.g., Taco Bell’s "Yo Quiero Taco Bell" slogan, Marvel & DC’s "Superhero") to show how humor enhances branding. It stresses trademarks’ dual role as legal tools and narrative assets, requiring distinctiveness and commercial relevance. Brands should use professional guidance to secure trademarks strategically.

Jan 05, 2026

Understanding the Hidden Costs of Low-Fee Trademark Services: A Cautionary Tale

This article warns that low-cost trademark services like TrademarkEngine often hide unethical practices, such as unauthorized subscriptions and difficult cancellation processes. It advises business owners to prioritize transparent pricing and ethical support over cheap upfront fees to avoid long-term financial loss.

Dec 25, 2025

Debunking Trademark Scams: Adhering to Official Protocols to Safeguard Your Brand

This article exposes trademark scams that impersonate the USPTO to solicit fraudulent payments through forged communications. It emphasizes that brand owners should only trust official "@uspto.gov" emails and follow the statutory renewal timeline to avoid financial loss and ensure continuous legal protection.

Dec 22, 2025

What if negative opinion in the PCT Search Report cannot be overcome by amending the existing Claims?

In most cases, our patent attorneys can adjust the Claims to overcome the negative opinion in the initial PCT Search Report by requesting International Preliminary Examination, which is optional and additional fee will occur. However, what if the objections cannot be overcome by amending the existing claims?

Dec 18, 2025

Navigating the Dualities: Strategic Adaptation of Trademark Law to Digital Challenges and Opportunities

The rise of social media, e-commerce, and the metaverse has created new risks like trademark hijacking and global infringement. To survive, brands must move beyond traditional legal methods and adopt proactive, AI-driven monitoring and digital enforcement strategies. In this shifting landscape, agility and technological adaptation are essential for brand leadership.

Dec 15, 2025

Explain the new USPTO guidelines for AI-assisted inventions

The new United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) guidance, effective November 28, 2025, clarifies that only natural persons can be named as inventors on patents. AI systems are considered a tool used in the inventive process, not an inventor or joint inventor, regardless of their sophistication.