What is a ‘patent marking’?

Patent marking is a way for companies to inform the public that a particular product is protected by a patent. It is done by labeling the product with the patent number or even just letting people know that the product is protected by a patent. Patent marking is legally required for inventions that are patented in the United States. The reason for this is that without patent marking, patent owners would be unable to protect and enforce their patents because it would be hard to prove that someone was infringing them. In New York, patent markings must include the word “Patent” or “Pat.” The patent number must also be included, and it must be legible and visible on the product, or on its packaging or instructions. If a product is not covered by a patent, but is covered by a registered trademark or a trade secret, then the appropriate marking must still be included. Patent marking is an important tool for patent owners to protect their inventions from infringement. It also serves as a warning to potential infringers that there may be consequences if they attempt to copy the invention without authorization. Furthermore, patent marking helps the public to easily identify which products are protected by patents, and encourages innovation by providing incentives for inventors and companies to create new products.

Related FAQs

What is a patent assignment?
What is a prior art reference?
Is it possible to patent a business method?
What is prior art?
What can be done if a patent is infringed?
What is the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH)?
What is a third-party observation in patent prosecution?
What is a design patent?
What is a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application?
What is a non-provisional patent?

Related Blog Posts

Essential Tips for Navigating the Patent Process - July 31, 2023
Guide to Understanding the Different Types of Patents - August 7, 2023
Recent Developments in Patent Law: What to Know - August 14, 2023
A Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Patent Application - August 21, 2023
What You Need to Know About Patent Appeals - August 28, 2023