by Robert McConnell | Aug 18, 2025
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) evaluates every patent application—whether utility or design—against three fundamental requirements. These requirements are codified in the Patent Act, and while they may appear straightforward, each is supported...
by Robert McConnell | Jul 11, 2025
Choosing an effective trademark is a critical business decision that can significantly impact brand success and market performance. Understanding trademark fundamentals and selection principles is essential for building a protectable brand identity. Understanding...
by Robert McConnell | Jun 27, 2025
The Hidden Power of Design Patents: Your Secret Weapon in Product Protection Key Takeaways: Design patents protect appearance, not function – While utility patents cover how products work, design patents protect how they look, enabling patent protection for the...
by Robert McConnell | Jun 13, 2025
Trademark scams have been around for years but keep evolving to target trademark applicants. Just today, a client sent me a suspicious text about their trademark application. The message followed a familiar pattern, leveraging urgency and fear to encourage the...
by Robert McConnell | Mar 6, 2025
If you’re building a business, your brand is one of your most valuable assets. Understanding how trademarks protect that brand is essential for any entrepreneur. Trademarks serve one fundamental purpose: they identify the source of goods or services to...
