Be careful when arguing claim elements – if the specification provides a broadening of those terms, the USPTO will use it to support their overly broad interpretation.

When deep in the technology can be too deep.

Even very specific machines can be abstract if they recite a mathematical algorithm and not much else.

Can intended use be used by examiners to ignore elements of a method claim?

Appeals can make a lot of sense, but do not forget the most important requirement – you need arguments that hold up to PTAB scrutiny.

The Illusion of Quality at the USPTO – its clear from the USPTO’s very own explanation of the program.

Some tips for ex parte appeal practice – you must address every possible rationale the examiner throws out. Failure to do so can spell big trouble.

Understanding how to distinguish the prior art is a fundamental aspect of practicing patent law. One common area that trips up even experienced practitioners is the distinction between the prior art missing a feature of the invention, and the prior art having an additional feature compared to the invention. When put this way, the distinction…

Find some drafting tips to reduce 101 risks for estimation algorithms.

Quality specialists may not be experts at quality patent examination.