Guest Post by Dave Roccio Featured by Factum Global

“Patent-Related Questions Companies Should Ask When Expanding Globally”

International patent filing is an option for businesses looking to expand or solidify their global footprint while maintaining critical intellectual property protections. However, it can be an expensive, complicated, and time-sensitive endeavor. Decisions that are made early in the process can impact future filings and the trajectory of a business. Companies should take a holistic view of their business operations and consider the global IP landscape when strategizing on how to file abroad. Below are questions that expanding companies should be asking when formulating an international patent filing strategy.

My invention has already been publicly disclosed or sold and I have not filed a corresponding patent application yet. Can I still file for patent protection?

Most likely not. In most countries, a previous public disclosure or sale (intentional or not) is a bar, or barrier, to patentability. However, some countries may allow for a grace period, or a set amount of time, from the first public disclosure within which a patent application may still be filed. Any grace period allowed by a jurisdiction will start immediately upon the first disclosure. Accordingly, it is important to identify such disclosures as soon as possible…

Read the full blog post at factumglobal.com.