Four Ways In-House Hone Solid Design Patent Strategies

As counterfeiters become savvier, companies must have solid strategies in place to enforce their design patents. In this article, Managing Intellectual Property highlights four ways companies can strengthen their design patent strategies to thwart counterfeiters and competitors. Finnegan partner Elizabeth Ferrill was interviewed for her insight.

The four strategies discussed are: 1) broadening patent protection, 2) considering foreign filing strategies, 3) knowing who to target (and how), and 4) understanding unique design patent concerns as they relate to your industry. Regarding foreign filing strategies, it is important to understand the deadlines and practices associated with international filings. In addition, filing where your competitors are located is critical. Beth says that even though some clients have stopped manufacturing in China, their competitors are still there, which makes it prudent to file in that jurisdiction.

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