IP Insights

Practical guidance on patents, trademarks, and intellectual property from a Hudson Valley patent attorney with 40+ years of experience.

March 15, 2026

Can You Patent an AI Invention? What Inventors Need to Know in 2026

AI inventions are patentable — but the rules are nuanced. From Thaler v. Vidal to the USPTO's 2024 guidance on human contribution, here's what actually matters.

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March 8, 2026

Patent Strategy for Startups: When to File and When to Wait

Startups have limited budgets and unlimited ambition. Here's how to build a patent strategy that protects your core innovation without burning through your runway.

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March 1, 2026

You Got a Patent Office Action. Don't Panic.

An office action isn't a rejection — it's the beginning of a conversation with the patent examiner. Here's how to read one, respond effectively, and get your patent granted.

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February 26, 2026

How to Protect Your Product Before Launch

Your product launch starts a legal clock you can't undo. Here's what to file, sign, and document before you go public with your invention.

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February 19, 2026

Patent Licensing: Turning Your Patent Into Revenue

Not every inventor wants to manufacture. Licensing lets you earn from your patent while someone else builds the product. Here's how it works.

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February 12, 2026

Patent Maintenance Fees: What Happens If You Don't Pay?

Getting a patent is just the beginning. You have to pay to keep it — and missing a deadline can cost you everything. Here's what you need to know.

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February 12, 2026

IP Due Diligence: What Investors Look For

If you're raising capital, your intellectual property will be scrutinized. Here's what investors check — and the assignment chain problem that kills deals.

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February 5, 2026

Do You Need an NDA Before Sharing Your Invention?

The answer depends on who you're talking to and whether you've filed. Here's when an NDA is essential, when it's impractical, and what to do instead.

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January 28, 2026

What Does "Patent Pending" Actually Mean?

It doesn't mean what most people think. Here's what Patent Pending actually tells the world — and what it doesn't protect you from.

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January 22, 2026

Continuation Patents: Getting More From Your Original Filing

One invention can yield multiple patents. Continuations, CIPs, and divisionals let you build a portfolio around a single core idea.

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January 15, 2026

How Much Does a Patent Actually Cost?

The honest answer is "it depends" — but that doesn't mean you can't get real numbers. Here's a breakdown of USPTO fees, attorney costs, and the hidden expenses most inventors don't see coming.

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January 8, 2026

Patent vs. Trade Secret: Which One Protects Your Invention Better?

Coca-Cola never patented its formula. Was that smart or risky? The answer depends on what you've invented, your industry, and how you plan to compete.

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December 20, 2025

Can You Patent Software? Yes — Here's How

Since the Alice decision in 2014, software patents have gotten harder — but not impossible. The key is how you frame the invention. An engineering background helps.

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December 12, 2025

Provisional Patents: The Smart First Step Most Inventors Skip

A provisional patent application costs a fraction of a full filing and gives you 12 months of "Patent Pending" protection. Most inventors don't use it. That's a mistake.

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November 28, 2025

Why a Patent Search Can Save You Thousands

Before you spend $10,000+ on a patent application, a thorough prior art search can tell you whether your idea is actually new — and how to position it if it is.

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November 15, 2025

A Hudson Valley Inventor's Guide to Patent Protection

From Fishkill to Poughkeepsie, the Hudson Valley has a long history of innovation. Here's what local inventors need to know about protecting their ideas.

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November 1, 2025

Utility vs. Design Patents: Which Do You Need?

One protects how your invention works. The other protects how it looks. Some inventions need both. Here's how to figure out what's right for yours.

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October 18, 2025

How Long Does It Take to Get a Patent? A Realistic Timeline

The short answer: 18 to 36 months on average. The real answer involves your technology area, how busy the USPTO is, and whether you respond to office actions quickly.

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October 5, 2025

Trademark Basics for New York Small Businesses

Your brand name, logo, and tagline might be your most valuable assets. Here's what New York business owners need to know about protecting them.

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September 22, 2025

Someone Is Copying Your Patented Invention. Now What?

Discovering infringement is stressful. Before you fire off a cease-and-desist letter, there are steps you should take — and mistakes you need to avoid.

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September 8, 2025

Do You Need International Patent Protection?

A U.S. patent only protects you in the United States. If your product sells overseas or could be copied abroad, you need a strategy for international filings.

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August 25, 2025

How to Choose the Right Patent Attorney (And Why It Matters)

Not all patent attorneys are created equal. Technical background, prosecution experience, and communication style all matter. Here's what to look for.

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Have an IP Question?

Whether you're filing your first patent or protecting an established portfolio, we're here to help. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your intellectual property needs.

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