Intellectual Property Glossary
A comprehensive dictionary of patent and trademark definitions to help you navigate the complexities of intellectual property law.
C
- Cease and Desist Letter
- A Cease and Desist Letter is a formal legal document sent to an individual or business demanding that they stop an alleged illegal activity, such as patent or trademark infringement, immediately.
- Continuation Patent Application
- A Continuation Patent Application is a patent application filed by an applicant who wants to pursue additional claims based on the same invention disclosed in a prior pending application.
D
- Design Patent
- A Design Patent is a form of legal protection granted by the USPTO that covers the unique, ornamental, and non-functional visual qualities of a manufactured item.
I
- Infringement
- Infringement is the unauthorized making, using, offering for sale, or selling of any patented invention or trademarked asset within the United States.
- Intellectual Property (IP)
- Intellectual Property refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images used in commerce, protected by law through patents, copyright, and trademarks.
M
- Maintenance Fees
- Maintenance Fees are mandatory periodic payments made to the United States Patent and Trademark Office to keep a utility patent legally active and enforceable.
N
- Non-Obviousness
- Non-Obviousness is a statutory requirement for patentability which states that an invention cannot be patented if a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the invention obvious based on existing prior art.
- Notice of Allowance
- A Notice of Allowance is an official document issued by the USPTO indicating that a patent examiner has determined a patent application meets all legal requirements and a patent will be granted.
- Novelty
- Novelty is a fundamental requirement for patentability meaning that the invention must be entirely new and must not have been disclosed to the public, published, or patented anywhere in the world before the filing date.
O
- Office Action
- An Office Action is an official written communication from a USPTO examiner detailing issues, objections, or rejections regarding a pending patent or trademark application.
P
- Patent Examiner
- A Patent Examiner is a federal employee at the USPTO responsible for reviewing patent applications to determine if an invention meets the statutory requirements of novelty, non-obviousness, and utility.
- Patent Pending
- Patent Pending is a legal designation used by inventors to inform the public and competitors that a formal patent application has been filed with the USPTO, warning them that patent rights may soon be granted.
- Patent Search
- A Patent Search is an extensive investigation into existing patents, published applications, and other public documents (prior art) to determine whether an invention is truly novel before filing a formal application.
- Prior Art
- Prior Art is any evidence that your invention is already known or has been described in public before you filed a patent application.
- Provisional Patent Application
- A Provisional Patent Application is a preliminary filing with the USPTO that establishes an early priority date for an invention but does not mature into an issued patent on its own.
T
- Trade Dress
- Trade Dress refers to the visual appearance, packaging, or overall design of a product that signifies the source of the product to consumers, providing legal protection similar to a trademark.
- Trade Secret
- A Trade Secret is a type of intellectual property that comprises confidential business information providing a competitive economic edge.
- Trademark
- A Trademark is a recognizable sign, design, or expression that identifies products or services of a particular source and distinguishes them from those of others.
- Trademark Class
- A Trademark Class is a category in the international classification system (Nice Classification) used by the USPTO to group similar goods and services for the purpose of trademark registration.
U
- USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office)
- The USPTO is the federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce responsible for granting U.S. patents and registering trademarks.
- Utility Patent
- A Utility Patent is a legal document issued by the USPTO that protects the functional aspects of a new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matter.
Client Reviews
What Our Clients Say
Real feedback from inventors and businesses across Miami and South Florida who trusted Alcoba Law Group with their intellectual property.
Working with Ruben Alcoba on our trademark filing was a smooth and professional experience from start to finish. Knowledgeable, responsive, and made the entire process clear.
I am beyond grateful for the exceptional service provided by Alcoba Law Firm. Mr. Alcoba displayed professionalism, deep legal knowledge, and a true dedication to my case.
Highly recommend Ruben Alcoba! He helped my company with a trademark and a patent. Very professional and knowledgeable in his field. I will continue to use his services.
Right after a call with another firm that left me discouraged, I called Alcoba Law Group. From the moment Juliet answered, everything changed. Her expertise is absolutely top-tier!
I needed legal assistance for my business and was attended to very professionally. My issue was resolved quickly and directly. One of the most competent professionals I have dealt with!
Original review in Portuguese
"Precisava de assistência jurídica para o meu negócio e fui atendido de forma muito profissional. Meu problema foi resolvido de modo rápido e direto. Um dos profissionais mais competentes com os quais já lidei!"
Excellent service and advice regarding trademark registration; Mr. Ruben was very attentive and explained the whole process. He was always very kind when I contacted him for information. I highly recommend him.
Original review in Spanish
"Excelente servicio y asesoría en cuanto al registro de marcas; el Sr. Ruben fue muy atento y me explicó todo el proceso. Siempre fue muy amable cuando lo contacté para obtener información. Lo recomiendo altamente."
I consider Rubén Alcoba an honest lawyer with vast experience in patent law. In my specific case, during a free initial consultation, he answered all my questions and clarified my doubts.
Original review in Spanish
"Considero a Rubén Alcoba un abogado honesto con vasta experiencia en leyes de patentes. En mi caso específico, durante una consulta inicial gratuita, respondió a todas mis preguntas y aclaró mis dudas."
Alcoba is a very experienced lawyer! We have used his service for more than 10 years for all our company trade marks and copy rights. If you want someone reliable protect your intellectual assets don’t hesitate.
Exceptional team! Always have our best interest at heart and go above and beyond.
Working with Mr. Alcoba since the first day I presented my invention was a very positive experience. He was straightforward, professional, and provided direct access whenever I needed. I strongly recommend him to anyone seeking serious legal representation.
Words won't be enough to convey my gratitude for this firm's dedication. Ruben and Juliet are amazing lawyers but most importantly good and decent human beings. If you need a trustworthy trademark lawyer in Miami, this is the firm!
Ruben's thoroughness in applying for my patent was so perfect, it was approved on the first attempt! He has a mind of a genius. If you need a true professional that KNOWS what they're talking about, give Ruben and his team a try!
The first patent lawyer told me it was 90% impossible. After 9 months working with Ruben, I was granted the patent for the exact same product. Ruben is a gentleman and a very honest man.
I used Alcoba Law Group for my first patent and trademark — very happy with the personal attention to detail. Just reached out for my second patent and hopefully many more. Highly recommend Ruben and his team!
I have worked on 3 Trademarks with Alcoba Law Group since 2010. I trust with great confidence that Juliet will get it done. Her knowledge and expertise is exceptional.
Fast, efficient, excellent service, and the nicest people.
Great people here. Awesome customer attention. Very professional and also really friendly.
Easy to work with, very knowledgeable. Went above and beyond to help me solve some problems and quickly. Highly Recommend for trademark help!
Juliet and Ruben Alcoba are amazing professionals. I have obtained several trademarks using this firm and the processes couldnt be smoother and more professional. Their legal fees are reasonable.
Excellent lawyers and excellent people, I highly recommend them for any process, you will be in excellent hands.
Original review in Spanish
"Excelentes abogados y excelentes personas, los recomiendo grandemente para cualquier proceso, estarán en excelentes manos."
Excellent. I sent a message with my inquiry, they responded right away, sent me a quote, I accepted it, and everything went super smoothly and professionally. Highly recommended!
Original review in Spanish
"Excelente, envié un mensaje con mi consulta, enseguida me respondieron, me pasaron un presupuesto, lo acepté y todo salió super fluido y muy profesional, realmente muy recomendable!"
Excellent work from Alcoba Law. They were very attentive and advised me on everything to achieve my patent application. Fast, reliable, and very professional.
Original review in Spanish
"Excelente el trabajo de Alcoba Law. Fueron muy atentos y me asesoraron en todo para lograr la aplicación de mi patente. Rápidos, confiables y muy profesionales."
From the initial consultation to the successful registration, Ruben demonstrated exceptional expertise and professionalism. His attention to detail made the trademark process smooth and stress-free.
A lawyer who helps you with everything, is creative and treats you like a friend. I recommend him — thanks to him I have my patent and I know I will have a bright future.
Original review in Spanish
"Un abogado que te ayuda en todo, creativo y te trata como amigo. Lo recomiendo — gracias a él tengo mi patente y sé que voy a tener un futuro brillante."
Tremendous lawyer, the best. He helped me and my husband. I highly recommend him.
Original review in Spanish
"Tremendo abogado, el mejor. Me ayudó con mi esposo. Se lo recomiendo."
He is an excellent and great lawyer, I recommend him 💯
Original review in Spanish
"Es un excelente y gran abogado, se los recomiendo 💯"
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