How do I...

Patents

• How do I read...
  • ... a patent? What is all that stuff in a patent, and what does it mean? 
  • ... number codes on patents: How can I figure out the information in a foreign patent when I don't speak the language?  
  • ... a USPTO filing receipt? OK, they said my application's filed - didn't they? 
  • ... an Office Action? What is the Examiner trying to tell me?
• Filing Status: Am I entitled to Small Entity status, and do I qualify for the 50% discount on some USPTO fees?  
• Patent Term: How do I figure out if a patent is still in force? How to determine patent term.
• Follow-on and Foreign Filings: My patent application has been on file for a while. What are my options for follow-on patents and foreign filing? 
• Terminology: How do I understand "Patentese"? See our Patent Glossary.
• Licensing: I've got a great idea - how do I get my invention licensed?
• Patent Forms

• • Invention Disclosure Form: How can I get my invention down on paper? Use our Invention Disclosure Form
  • Patent Application Template: How can I make sure I have all the required sections  in my patent application? Download a Patent Application template (MS Word format). 

Don't forget our "Patent FAQ" page - it has lots of information about patents and the patent process. 

Trademarks

• Choosing and Using: How do I choose and use my trademark properly?
• Searching: How do I do a Trademark Search? 
• Terminology: How do I understand "Trademark Speak"? See our Trademark Glossary. 

We have a "Trademark FAQ" page, too.

Copyrights

• Copyright Term: How can I figure out if a work is still under copyright? 

• Forms and Instructions: Where do I get the right form to register my copyright? 

And, of course, there's a copyright FAQ...