Patent Portfolio Management: How to Keep Your IP Working (and Alive)
Patent portfolio management is the ongoing process of deciding what to file, what to keep, what to abandon, and when to pay, so that the patents you own still match the business you’re actually running. That’s a budgeting and calendaring discipline, not a filing task, and it runs for the full twenty-year life of a […]
What Legal Protections Exist for AI-Generated Inventions in Patent Law?
If a human being made a significant enough contribution to conceive of the invention, you can patent it, even if an AI system did much of the work. If no human conceived it, U.S. patent law currently offers nothing. There is no separate category of protection for inventions with no human inventor, and the AI […]
Can a Patent Lawyer Steal My Idea?
No, and it’s one of the few risks in the invention process covered by an enforceable rule rather than a handshake. A registered patent attorney or patent agent is bound by the USPTO Rules of Professional Conduct, and 37 CFR 11.106(a) prohibits revealing information relating to the representation of a client without that client’s informed […]
Can You Patent an Improvement to an Existing Product? What Inventors Need to Know
Most great inventions don’t start from scratch. They start with a problem. A product already exists, but it’s slow, expensive, fragile, inefficient, or just harder to use than it should be. You figure out a better way. Now the question is: can you protect it? The short answer is yes. Improvement patents are not only […]
Non-Obviousness in Patent Law: What It Means and Why It Matters for Your Invention
You’ve built something new. You’re confident it works. But will it qualify for a patent? One of the most misunderstood and most frequently contested requirements in patent law is non-obviousness. Many inventors are surprised to learn that being first isn’t always enough. Your invention also has to clear a bar that trips up more applications […]
Difference Between Patent and Trademark: What Protects Your Idea vs Your Brand
If you’ve ever invented something new or built a brand from the ground up, you’ve probably asked yourself: Do I need a patent or a trademark? The answer depends on what you’re trying to protect — and getting it wrong can leave your most valuable assets exposed. At Goldstein Patent Law, we help inventors and […]
When Should You File a Design Patent Instead of a Utility Patent?
Understanding the difference between a utility patent and a design patent is one of the most important decisions an inventor can make. This guide breaks down what each covers, when a design patent is the right choice, and when filing both gives you the strongest protection.
How to Get a Patent on an Idea (And When You Need a Trademark Too)
If you’re researching how to get a patent on an idea, you’ve likely come across trademarks too – and wondered if you need one or both. This guide explains the difference, when each applies, and how to build a strategy that actually protects your invention and your brand.
Can You Patent a Business Method in 2026? What Entrepreneurs Need to Know
Business method patents can protect unique processes used in commerce – but the rules have gotten stricter since the 2014 Alice Supreme Court ruling. This guide explains what qualifies in 2026, what the law actually requires, and how entrepreneurs can approach the process strategically.
Utility Patent Vs Design Patent: How To Choose The Right Protection For Your Invention
Understanding utility patent vs design patent is essential for protecting your invention. This guide explains the differences, when to use each, and how to choose the right strategy for your product.
