Kimberley developed a novel type of bottle opener that incorporated a new and different method of removing a bottle cap. She applied for a patent on her invention, and then began manufacture of the product. She stamped each unit with the words "patent pending." Another manufacturer copied her design and began marketing the same type of opener. Kimberley may ask the Patent Office to speed up the issue of her patent, because the other manufacturer is copying her product, and she cannot take steps to stop the infringement until the patent is issued.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) offers procedures to expedite the examination of patent applications for various reasons, including infringement issues. While Kimberley cannot enforce her patent rights until the patent is granted, the existence of infringement can be a factor in requesting accelerated examination to obtain patent rights more quickly.

Kimberley Developed a Novel Type of Bottle Opener That Incorporated