Blogs

License Terms and Renewals: Align Fees with Revenue

License Terms and Renewals: Align Fees with Revenue

Align patent renewal decisions with license revenue. Learn how to avoid overpaying on patents that don’t earn.

PCT vs National Renewals: What Still Needs Paying

PCT vs National Renewals: What Still Needs Paying

Understand what renewals still apply after a PCT filing and how national-phase rules impact long-term costs.

Design Patents: Renewal Rules and Common Mistakes

Design Patents: Renewal Rules and Common Mistakes

Learn the renewal rules for design patents and the common mistakes founders make when managing their IP.

China, Japan, Korea Annuities: Local Rules You Must Know

China, Japan, Korea Annuities: Local Rules You Must Know

Understand key annuity rules in China, Japan, and Korea so you avoid late fees, surprises, and lost rights.

EPO Renewals vs USPTO Maintenance: Key Differences

EPO Renewals vs USPTO Maintenance: Key Differences

A simple comparison of EPO renewals vs USPTO maintenance fees. Know the rules, timing, and costs for each system.

Automating Reminders: Never Miss a Maintenance Date

Automating Reminders: Never Miss a Maintenance Date

Learn how to automate patent maintenance reminders so your team never misses a USPTO or global renewal deadline again.

Dashboards for Post-Grant Teams: What to Track Weekly

Dashboards for Post-Grant Teams: What to Track Weekly

See what metrics post-grant teams should track weekly to stay ahead of renewals, costs, deadlines, and risk.

Renewal KPIs: Cost per Active Claim, Country ROI, Coverage Gaps

Renewal KPIs: Cost per Active Claim, Country ROI, Coverage Gaps

Track the right patent renewal KPIs—cost per claim, ROI by country, and coverage gaps—to cut waste and stay protected.

Litigation Risk Check: Don’t Abandon a Valuable Asset

Litigation Risk Check: Don’t Abandon a Valuable Asset

Check litigation risk before dropping a patent. Learn how to spot assets worth keeping and avoid losing leverage.

Competitive Watch: Drop, Narrow, or Double-Down?

Competitive Watch: Drop, Narrow, or Double-Down?

Use competitive insights to decide whether to drop patents, narrow claims, or double-down on protection with confidence.

Quality Review: Are Claims Still Aligned to Current Products?

Quality Review: Are Claims Still Aligned to Current Products?

Review patent claims to ensure they still match what your product does today. Spot gaps, overlaps, and chances to improve.

Ownership Changes: Recordation Steps After M&A or Licensing

Ownership Changes: Recordation Steps After M&A or Licensing

A simple guide to recording ownership changes after M&A or licensing. Keep USPTO records clean and avoid renewal issues.

Post-Grant Amendments: Certificate of Correction Basics

Post-Grant Amendments: Certificate of Correction Basics

Learn when to file a Certificate of Correction after grant and how to fix errors fast so your patent stays strong.

IDS and Post-Grant: Do You Still Need to File Anything?

IDS and Post-Grant: Do You Still Need to File Anything?

A clear guide to IDS duties after grant. Learn what still needs filing, what doesn’t, and how to stay compliant.

Family Mapping: Avoid Paying Twice for the Same Coverage

Family Mapping: Avoid Paying Twice for the Same Coverage

Learn how to map patent families so you don’t pay twice for overlapping filings. A simple guide for founders managing global IP.

Data Hygiene: Fix Assignees, Status, and Priority Chains

Data Hygiene: Fix Assignees, Status, and Priority Chains

Clean up patent data the easy way. Fix assignees, statuses, and priority chains so your renewals and filings stay error-free.

Cost Forecasting: Plan Maintenance and Annuities for 5–10 Years

Cost Forecasting: Plan Maintenance and Annuities for 5–10 Years

Forecast patent costs for the next 5–10 years with simple models for maintenance fees, annuities, and global renewal planning.

Patent Pruning: A Simple Framework for Keep vs Drop

Patent Pruning: A Simple Framework for Keep vs Drop

Use a clear keep-or-drop framework to prune your patent portfolio, reduce costs, and focus only on IP that drives real value.

Portfolio Audits: Find Dead Weight and Hidden Gems

Portfolio Audits: Find Dead Weight and Hidden Gems

Run a smart patent portfolio audit to uncover dead weight, hidden value, and areas to cut or strengthen. A simple framework for founders.

Currency, FX, and Taxes: Hidden Costs in Annuities

Currency, FX, and Taxes: Hidden Costs in Annuities

Learn how currency swings, FX fees, and taxes affect global patent annuity costs—and how to budget smarter across countries.

Annuity Payment Providers: Build vs Buy vs Hybrid

Annuity Payment Providers: Build vs Buy vs Hybrid

Compare building your own annuity system vs buying a provider vs a hybrid model. Learn what saves time, money, and risk.

Global Annuities 101: How They Differ by Country

Global Annuities 101: How They Differ by Country

A simple guide to global patent annuities. Understand key country differences, costs, and timelines so your team avoids surprises.

When to Let a Patent Lapse: Business Rules That Work

When to Let a Patent Lapse: Business Rules That Work

Not every patent is worth renewing. Learn smart rules for when to let a patent lapse and how to cut costs without losing key protection.

Missed a Maintenance Fee? Grace Periods and Surcharges

Missed a Maintenance Fee? Grace Periods and Surcharges

Missed a USPTO maintenance fee? Learn your grace period, surcharges, and how to restore a patent before rights expire for good.

How to Pay Maintenance Fees in Patent Center (Step-by-Step)

How to Pay Maintenance Fees in Patent Center (Step-by-Step)

A simple, step-by-step guide to paying patent maintenance fees in Patent Center without mistakes or delays.

Small Entity vs Micro Entity: How to Qualify and Save

Small Entity vs Micro Entity: How to Qualify and Save

See if you qualify as a small or micro entity and cut USPTO fees. Easy rules founders can use to save big on patents.

USPTO Fee Deadlines: 3.5, 7.5, 11.5 Years Explained

USPTO Fee Deadlines: 3.5, 7.5, 11.5 Years Explained

Understand USPTO deadlines at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years. Simple breakdowns to help you avoid missed payments and keep protection strong.

Patent Maintenance Fees: What They Are and When to Pay

Patent Maintenance Fees: What They Are and When to Pay

Stay ahead of USPTO maintenance fees. Learn what they are, when they’re due, and how to avoid losing your patent.

ROI Math: When a Design Patent Is Worth the Cost

ROI Math: When a Design Patent Is Worth the Cost

See when a design patent pays off and how PowerPatent makes filing affordable, fast, and founder-friendly.

Portfolio Planning: Flagship, Variants, and Seasonal Refreshes

Portfolio Planning: Flagship, Variants, and Seasonal Refreshes

Plan a design patent portfolio that grows with your product. Learn how PowerPatent helps founders protect every version.

Design Patents for SaaS: Dashboards, Widgets, and Layouts

Design Patents for SaaS: Dashboards, Widgets, and Layouts

Protect your SaaS dashboards and UI layouts with smart design filings. PowerPatent makes the process fast and simple.

Common Drawing Rejections—and How to Fix Them Fast

Common Drawing Rejections—and How to Fix Them Fast

Fix common design drawing mistakes before they cause delays. PowerPatent helps you file clean, review-ready drawings.

Carve-Out Strategy: Accessory, Bezel, or Bead—What to Claim

Carve-Out Strategy: Accessory, Bezel, or Bead—What to Claim

Carve out key product features for stronger design protection. Learn smart filing strategies with PowerPatent.

Claiming GUI Flows: Series Figures that Pass Review

Claiming GUI Flows: Series Figures that Pass Review

Protect full UI flows using series figures. Learn what examiners expect and how PowerPatent helps you file smoother.

Enforcing Design Patents: Proof, Remedies, and 289 Damages

Enforcing Design Patents: Proof, Remedies, and 289 Damages

Learn how design patent enforcement works, what evidence you need, and how strong filings with PowerPatent boost your case.

Design + Copyright: When Dual Protection Makes Sense

Design + Copyright: When Dual Protection Makes Sense

Some designs deserve double protection. Learn when to use copyright + design patents and how PowerPatent supports both.

Design + Trade Dress: Build a Stronger IP Wall

Design + Trade Dress: Build a Stronger IP Wall

See how design patents and trade dress work together to protect your product’s look. PowerPatent helps you file both with ease.

Continuation Strategy for Designs: Keep the Family Alive

Continuation Strategy for Designs: Keep the Family Alive

Use continuations to expand your design protection over time. Learn smart strategies supported by PowerPatent.

China, Japan, Korea: Local Rules for Design Filings

China, Japan, Korea: Local Rules for Design Filings

Get the key rules for design patents in China, Japan, and Korea—and see how PowerPatent helps you file correctly across markets.

EU Community Designs vs US Design Patents: Key Differences

EU Community Designs vs US Design Patents: Key Differences

Understand EU vs US design protection in simple terms and learn how PowerPatent helps you file globally with confidence.

Hague System Basics: One Filing for Many Countries

Hague System Basics: One Filing for Many Countries

File design protection worldwide with one Hague filing. See how it works and how PowerPatent simplifies global coverage.

Speeding Up Design Examination: Your Options

Speeding Up Design Examination: Your Options

Explore the fastest ways to speed up design patent examination and get protection sooner without added stress.

Functionality Trap: Keep Your Design “Ornamental”

Functionality Trap: Keep Your Design “Ornamental”

Avoid the functionality trap and keep your design safely ornamental and patent-ready for stronger protection.

Obviousness in Design Patents: How Examiners Think

Obviousness in Design Patents: How Examiners Think

See how examiners judge obviousness in design patents so you can avoid easy rejections and strengthen your filing.

Prior Art for Designs: Fast Search Methods That Work

Prior Art for Designs: Fast Search Methods That Work

Run a fast, effective design prior-art search so you know what’s new—and what you can claim with total confidence.

Design Arounds: How to Block Copycats with Partial Claims

Design Arounds: How to Block Copycats with Partial Claims

Use partial claims to stop copycats and block easy design-arounds before they start and protect your edge.

Wearables & Hardware: Capturing Swappable Parts

Wearables & Hardware: Capturing Swappable Parts

Learn how to patent wearable and hardware designs with swappable or modular parts that keep competitors away.

Packaging & Unboxing Designs: Protection That Pays

Packaging & Unboxing Designs: Protection That Pays

Protect packaging and unboxing moments that delight users—and keep competitors from copying your style.

Surface Ornamentation vs Shape: Pick the Right Claim

Surface Ornamentation vs Shape: Pick the Right Claim

Understand when to claim ornamentation, shape, or both to get the strongest design protection for your product’s future.

UX Motion & Animations: Can You Patent Micro-Interactions?

UX Motion & Animations: Can You Patent Micro-Interactions?

See when UX animations and micro-interactions can be patented, and how to capture them clearly for stronger design protection.

Protecting App Icons: Single Icon vs Icon Sets

Protecting App Icons: Single Icon vs Icon Sets

Find out when to patent one icon or a full set so your brand stays safe from copycats and grows with confidence.

GUI Design Patents: Screens, States, and Transitions

GUI Design Patents: Screens, States, and Transitions

Learn how to patent your UI screens, states, and transitions so your product’s look stays uniquely yours.

Black-and-White vs Color Figures: What to Choose

Black-and-White vs Color Figures: What to Choose

Pick the right figure style—black-and-white or color—to get clean, strong design patent protection.

Drawing Rules for Design Patents: A Clear Checklist

Drawing Rules for Design Patents: A Clear Checklist

A simple, clear checklist for design patent drawings so your filing gets accepted faster and with fewer fixes.

Broken Lines Explained: Claim More with Less

Broken Lines Explained: Claim More with Less

Discover how broken lines help you claim only what matters and get broader, smarter design protection.

How to Scope a Design Patent: Whole Product vs Parts

How to Scope a Design Patent: Whole Product vs Parts

See how to claim your whole product or just key parts so you get stronger, flexible design protection.

Design vs Utility Patents: Which One Fits Your Product

Design vs Utility Patents: Which One Fits Your Product

Understand the difference between design and utility patents so you can choose the right path to protect your product fast.

Design Patents 101: What They Protect (and Don’t)

Design Patents 101: What They Protect (and Don’t)

Learn what design patents cover, what they don’t, and how to protect the look of your product with confidence—without slowing your build.

National Phase Playbook: A Step-by-Step Plan from PCT to Grant

National Phase Playbook: A Step-by-Step Plan from PCT to Grant

Follow this national phase playbook—simple steps to move from PCT filing to granted patents worldwide.

Post-Grant View: Annuities, Oppositions, and Enforcement by Region

Post-Grant View: Annuities, Oppositions, and Enforcement by Region

Stay strong after grant—manage annuities, handle oppositions, and enforce rights by region effectively.

Using PatentScope: Find Prior Art and Competitor Families

Using PatentScope: Find Prior Art and Competitor Families

Use WIPO PatentScope like a pro—find prior art, check competitor filings, and guide smarter PCT strategy.

Deadlines That Matter: 30 vs 31 Months and Local Extensions

Deadlines That Matter: 30 vs 31 Months and Local Extensions

Never miss key PCT deadlines—understand 30 vs 31-month limits and which countries allow late entry.

Common PCT Formality Errors—and How to Fix Them Quickly

Common PCT Formality Errors—and How to Fix Them Quickly

Avoid and fix common PCT formality errors fast—naming, signatures, and missing documents made simple.

Amendments at Entry: How Much Change Is Safe in Each Office

Amendments at Entry: How Much Change Is Safe in Each Office

Understand how much you can safely amend claims at national phase entry across major patent offices.

Managing Agents Worldwide: Engagement, Quotes, and QA

Managing Agents Worldwide: Engagement, Quotes, and QA

Learn how to pick and manage patent agents worldwide—get fair quotes, clear timelines, and quality results.

Using PCT for Biotech/Medtech: Data, Claims, and Country Picks

Using PCT for Biotech/Medtech: Data, Claims, and Country Picks

Plan your biotech or medtech PCT filing—data rules, claim drafting, and top countries for strong protection.

Using PCT for Software and AI Inventions: Best Regions to Target

Using PCT for Software and AI Inventions: Best Regions to Target

Plan your biotech or medtech PCT filing—data rules, claim drafting, and top countries for strong protection.

Divisional Strategy After National Phase: US/EU/CN/JP/KR Compared

Divisional Strategy After National Phase: US/EU/CN/JP/KR Compared

Compare divisional patent strategies across major offices—when to file and how to keep protection broad.

Design Arounds Before Entry: Use the ISR to De-Risk Claims

Design Arounds Before Entry: Use the ISR to De-Risk Claims

Use your PCT search report to design around risk before national entry—smart claim tweaks save time and cost.

Translations for National Phase: Quality, Cost, and Timing

Translations for National Phase: Quality, Cost, and Timing

Get national phase translations right. Balance quality, cost, and timing to avoid rejections and lost scope.

Korea (KIPO) Entry: Examination Requests, PPH, and Tips

Korea (KIPO) Entry: Examination Requests, PPH, and Tips

Handle KIPO entry right—when to request examination, how to use PPH, and tips for smoother prosecution.

Japan (JPO) Entry: Amendments, Interviews, and Speed-Up Paths

Japan (JPO) Entry: Amendments, Interviews, and Speed-Up Paths

Learn how to handle JPO entry—best practices for amendments, examiner interviews, and PPH acceleration.

China (CNIPA) Entry: Translations, Claim Scope, and Common Traps

China (CNIPA) Entry: Translations, Claim Scope, and Common Traps

Prepare for CNIPA entry with translation tips, claim scope advice, and the top mistakes to avoid in China.

EPO National Phase: Rule 71(3), Divisional Practice, and Support

EPO National Phase: Rule 71(3), Divisional Practice, and Support

Master EPO national phase strategy—Rule 71(3), divisionals, and claim support tips for smoother prosecution.

US National Phase: Deadlines, IDS, and Claim Amendments

US National Phase: Deadlines, IDS, and Claim Amendments

Navigate the US national phase with ease—key deadlines, IDS rules, and smart claim amendment strategies.

Picking Countries: How to Build a National Phase Shortlist

Picking Countries: How to Build a National Phase Shortlist

Build your PCT national phase shortlist wisely. Learn how to choose countries based on cost, market, and protection.

Cost Control in PCT: Fees, Reductions, and Smart Savings

Cost Control in PCT: Fees, Reductions, and Smart Savings

Save money in the PCT process. Learn how to manage fees, get discounts, and cut costs at every step.

PPH After PCT: Fast-Track Options You Can Leverage

PPH After PCT: Fast-Track Options You Can Leverage

Use PPH after PCT to fast-track examination in key countries. Speed up grants and cut costs with smart strategy.

Unity of Invention in PCT: Handle Restrictions the Smart Way

Unity of Invention in PCT: Handle Restrictions the Smart Way

Understand unity of invention rules under PCT and learn how to handle restriction requirements strategically.

ST.26 Sequence Listings: Easy Compliance Checklist

ST.26 Sequence Listings: Easy Compliance Checklist

Make PCT sequence listings easy. Follow this ST.26 compliance checklist to file biotech patents without errors.

Restoring Priority in PCT: Missing the 12-Month Deadline

Restoring Priority in PCT: Missing the 12-Month Deadline

Missed the 12-month priority deadline? Learn how to restore priority rights under PCT and keep your patent alive.

ePCT Tips: File, Track, and Fix Errors Fast

ePCT Tips: File, Track, and Fix Errors Fast

Master ePCT: file easily, track progress, and correct mistakes fast. Save time and avoid costly PCT filing errors.

Amending Claims Under Article 19 vs Article 34: Which to Use

Amending Claims Under Article 19 vs Article 34: Which to Use

Learn when to amend claims under Article 19 or 34 in the PCT process to maximize protection and avoid extra costs.

Chapter II (Demand) Strategy: When It’s Worth It

Chapter II (Demand) Strategy: When It’s Worth It

Find out when filing a PCT Chapter II Demand makes sense—and how it can strengthen your patent before national entry.

PCT Search Report & Written Opinion: What to Do Next

PCT Search Report & Written Opinion: What to Do Next

Got your PCT Search Report and Written Opinion? Learn what they mean and the smartest next steps for stronger claims.

Choosing the Right ISA/IPEA: Cost, Speed, and Quality

Choosing the Right ISA/IPEA: Cost, Speed, and Quality

Compare ISAs and IPEAs by cost, speed, and quality to choose the best international search authority for your PCT filing.

PCT Timeline Made Simple: 12, 16, 22, 30/31 Months

PCT Timeline Made Simple: 12, 16, 22, 30/31 Months

Understand key PCT deadlines—stay on track, avoid mistakes, and plan your global patent path easily.

PCT Basics: How the International Patent Route Works

PCT Basics: How the International Patent Route Works

Learn how the PCT system helps you file one patent for global protection. Simple, fast, and smart for startups.

Playbook: Year-by-Year Plan to Maximize PTA/PTE Across a Portfolio

Playbook: Year-by-Year Plan to Maximize PTA/PTE Across a Portfolio

Follow a clear, year-by-year playbook to capture every possible day of patent term extension across your portfolio.

M&A and Licensing: Valuing Extra Patent Term

M&A and Licensing: Valuing Extra Patent Term

See how extended patent term drives deal value in M&A and licensing—and how to calculate it right.

Analytics Dashboards for PTA/PTE: KPIs That Matter

Analytics Dashboards for PTA/PTE: KPIs That Matter

Track the right PTA/PTE KPIs. Learn how analytics dashboards can boost visibility, accuracy, and ROI across your IP.

Quality Control Checklist: PTA/PTE Errors to Catch Before Filing

Quality Control Checklist: PTA/PTE Errors to Catch Before Filing

Avoid costly PTA/PTE mistakes. Use this simple checklist to ensure accurate filings and preserve every day of term.

Portfolio Strategy: Which Assets Deserve PTA/PTE Spend

Portfolio Strategy: Which Assets Deserve PTA/PTE Spend

Get practical tips on choosing which patents deserve PTA/PTE investment to maximize your IP portfolio’s value.

Late Responses, Holidays, and Extensions: Term Risks to Watch

Late Responses, Holidays, and Extensions: Term Risks to Watch

See how small timing issues—like holidays or late filings—can cut your patent term short and how to avoid it.

Provisional Filings and Priority: Downstream Effects on Term

Provisional Filings and Priority: Downstream Effects on Term

Learn how provisional filings impact patent term adjustments and how early choices shape long-term protection.

Case Law Roundup: PTA/PTE Decisions You Should Know

Case Law Roundup: PTA/PTE Decisions You Should Know

Stay ahead with the latest PTA/PTE case law updates. See how key decisions shape patent term strategy and outcomes.

SPCs in Europe vs US PTE: Key Differences for Global Teams

SPCs in Europe vs US PTE: Key Differences for Global Teams

Compare SPCs in Europe with US PTE rules. Learn what global patent teams need to know to protect product exclusivity.

Combining PTA and PTE: Can You Stack Them?

Combining PTA and PTE: Can You Stack Them?

Find out whether you can combine PTA and PTE—and how smart strategy can help extend your patent’s life even further.

One Patent Per Product Rule: Picking the Best Patent for PTE

One Patent Per Product Rule: Picking the Best Patent for PTE

Understand the one-patent-per-product rule and learn how to choose the right patent to maximize PTE benefits.

Labeling Changes, Supplements, and PTE: Common Pitfalls

Labeling Changes, Supplements, and PTE: Common Pitfalls

Discover how labeling updates and supplements affect PTE filings. Avoid hidden traps that can cost patent term protection.

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