FAQs Patent Questions

Question:What is a trade secret?

Answer:
A trade secret is information that companies keep secret to give them an advantage over their competitors. No mechanism exists to federally record or register a trade secret.

Question:What is the Federal mandate that requires an extramural invention tracking system?

Answer:
New provisions to the Code of Federal Regulations came with the enactment of the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980. These provisions (CFR) stipulated the need for all grantees or contractors to report on activities involving the disposition of certain intellectual property rights that result from Federally funded research (37CFR Part 401).

Question:Does the USPTO control the fees charged by patent attorneys and agents for their services?

Answer:
No. This is a matter between you and your patent attorney or agent in which the Office takes no part. To avoid misunderstanding you may wish to ask for estimate charges for: (a) the search (b) preparation of the patent application, and (c) USPTO prosecution.

Bookmark:           
Permalink:  http://S-0.ORG/tLEtZwQ

Contact our Patent Professionals to ensure you complete the patent filing process correctly or for violation of your patent rights.