Best Patent Office Daly City Near Me

4worldlovers: Companies across the United States are now using intellectual property protection mechanisms such as patents, and trademarks in a very different manner in the age of digital technology. For example, according to recent estimates, Google is now being granted about ten patents every day that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is open, and while some of these patents are focused on inventions and processes that improve the efficacy of Google’s search engine technology, many of them are completely unrelated such as Google’s patent for a “Smart Home Hazard Detection System.” Google is not alone in this respect. Many companies such as IBM, Microsoft, Facebook, and Apple are all filing patents on a wide range of technology that is still in the infant stages of development. In fact, IBM, in particular, was awarded over 9,000 patents in 2017.

So, the question then becomes, why are these technology giants filing patents at such a rapid rate? There are two answers to this question. First, the United States patent system switched to a first-to-file standard in 2013. This shift gave all companies an incentive to file for patents as soon as possible or risk having their patent application rejected due to a competitor filing an application for the same technology or invention first. Consequently, companies ultimately realized that patents and other forms of intellectual property (IP) protections could be used as a strategic advantage over their competitors. This methodology is both the second answer to our question and the most important factor currently influencing how corporations worldwide structure and view their IP portfolio.

Regardless of whether you are the CEO of a small tech start-up or a multinational corporation, the key to creating an IP portfolio that facilitates corporate growth, generates value for your shareholders, and effectively protects your company’s brand, inventions, and trade secrets is choosing a mix of IP protections that is tailored to the type of technology you’re developing and the industry your company operates in. This is accomplished through extensive collaboration with your patent attorney. During this discussion, your patent lawyer will evaluate which IP portfolio is the best fit for your company based on:

The type of product your corporation is currently developing or planning on developing

The industry your corporation operates within or is planning to penetrate

The size and number of companies you corporation is or will be competing against within the marketplace

Using Patents To Gain A Strategic Advantage In The Modern Marketplace

There is a distinct difference between owning patented technology and using it strategically. The legal battles between tech giants in Silicon Valley over patents have been rightfully named the “Patent Wars,” because companies in the technology sector have been using their IP portfolio to gain an advantage over their competitors. However, a more reasonable approach to your company’s IP portfolio is to think of your IP from a holistic viewpoint, rather than a weapon that could be used to gain a competitive edge. Meaning, a single invention might require multiple patents for the technology itself and any unique components that increase the device’s functionality or efficiency.

“Chris' extensive knowledge pertaining to the current market and laws are a clear indicator of his experience. Combine that with the fact that he picks up right away to answer any questions makes him the obvious choice for IP solutions.”