FAQs Patent Questions

Question:An inventor faces possible loss of benefits during his two-year retention period.

Answer:
The two-year retention period is not a “grace period” during which the inventor can wait to file his or her patent application without possible loss of benefits. It must be recognized that, in establishing priority of invention, an affidavit or testimony referring to a Disclosure Document must usually also establish diligence in completing the invention or in filing the patent application after the filing of the Disclosure Document.

Question:A patent is considered personal property and may be sold, mortgaged and may pass on to the heirs of a deceased patentee.

Answer:
A patent is personal property and may be sold to others or mortgaged; it may be bequeathed by a will; and it may pass to the heirs of a deceased patentee. The patent law provides for the transfer or sale of a patent, or of an application for patent, by an instrument in writing.

Question:Will the USPTO help me to select a patent attorney or agent to make my patent search or to prepare and prosecute my patent application?

Answer:
No. The Office cannot make this choice for you. However, your own friends or general attorney may help you in making a selection from among those listed as registered practitioners on the Office roster. Also, some bar associations operate lawyer referral services that maintain lists of patent lawyers available to accept new clients.

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