Articles for IP professionals
In-depth guides on prior art, claim strategy, patent search, knowledge discovery, and the practice of IP protection.
What is Prior Art and Why It Determines the Fate of Every Patent
Before a patent can be granted — or invalidated — someone must establish what was known before. This is the most consequential determination in patent law.
The Anatomy of a Patent Claim: How Scope is Defined and Defended
Every word in a patent claim is a boundary. Understanding how those boundaries are drawn and challenged is the foundation of IP practice.
Knowledge Discovery in Patent Search: Beyond Keywords
Keyword search finds patents that use the same words. Knowledge discovery finds patents that cover the same idea.
Doctrine of Equivalents: When Literal Infringement is Not the Whole Story
Patent scope extends beyond the literal words of the claims. Understanding equivalents is essential for both prosecution and litigation.
Freedom to Operate Analysis: A Practical Guide for Innovators
Before launching a product, understand the patent landscape. A proper FTO analysis can be the difference between a successful launch and an injunction.
How to Respond to an Alice Rejection: A Framework
Section 101 rejections under Alice/Mayo are the most common obstacle to software and AI patent grants. Here is a systematic framework for response.