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Patent Filing & USPTO

Practical explainers on USPTO timelines, provisional and non-provisional applications, patent pending status, claims, drawings, and filing requirements.

Can a foreign company file a U.S. patent? What changed in 2026

Can a foreign company file a U.S. patent? What changed in 2026

Foreign companies can still file U.S. patents, but new USPTO representation rules took effect July 20, 2026. Learn what changed and what to do now.

US patent attorney or patent agent: what foreign companies need

US patent attorney or patent agent: what foreign companies need

Foreign patent applicants now need USPTO-registered representation. Learn when a patent agent is enough and when you may need an attorney.

How much does it cost a foreign company to file a U.S. patent?

How much does it cost a foreign company to file a U.S. patent?

See what foreign companies can expect to pay for U.S. provisional and non-provisional patents, including practitioner and USPTO fees.

How to file a U.S. provisional patent application from outside the United States

How to file a U.S. provisional patent application from outside the United States

Foreign companies can file U.S. provisional patent applications. Learn how the process works, what changed in 2026, and what to do before filing.

Can you switch patent attorneys after filing a provisional patent application?

Can you switch patent attorneys after filing a provisional patent application?

You can use a different patent attorney or patent agent for your non-provisional application. Learn what happens to your filing date, what a new provider should review, and when to make the switch.

The startup founder's guide to USPTO micro-entity status (2026)

The startup founder's guide to USPTO micro-entity status (2026)

Micro-entity status cuts USPTO fees by 80%. Here's who qualifies, how to claim it, and what to watch out for.

7 ways to fast-track your patent in 2026

7 ways to fast-track your patent in 2026

USPTO Track One and other acceleration options can dramatically cut examination time. Here's how each works and when to use them.

What are patent claims? A guide for startup founders

What are patent claims? A guide for startup founders

Patent claims define the legal scope of your protection. Here's what founders need to understand before filing.

11 common questions about patent drawings

11 common questions about patent drawings

Patent drawings are one of the most misunderstood parts of the application process. Here are the most common questions, answered.

How to write a patent abstract: a 101

How to write a patent abstract: a 101

The patent abstract is short but consequential. Here's what to include, what to avoid, and how to write one that holds up under examination.

15 common questions about provisional patent applications

15 common questions about provisional patent applications

Provisional applications are one of the most useful — and most misunderstood — tools in the patent process. Here's what founders and inventors ask most.

7 common mistakes inventors make when filing a patent (+ how to avoid them)

7 common mistakes inventors make when filing a patent (+ how to avoid them)

From weak claims to missed deadlines, these are the filing errors that cost inventors their IP — and how to avoid them.

How long does it take to get a patent in 2026?

How long does it take to get a patent in 2026?

USPTO examination timelines vary widely by technology and entity size. Here's what to realistically expect.