Patents
EPO vs USPTO Patent Practice: A 2026 Guide
Key differences between EPO and USPTO practice for US filers — added matter, problem-solution inventive step and CII eligibility.
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Practical notes on European patents, trade marks and US expansion.
Trade Marks
EU Trademark Class Selection (NICE) for US Filers
How US companies pick NICE classes at the EUIPO — IP Translator, class headings and mapping USPTO IDs to EU specifications.
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EPO Opposition Guide for US Companies
How to challenge a European patent through EPO opposition — deadlines, costs and strategy for US companies.
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UPC Opt-out Strategy for US Companies
Should US companies opt their European patents out of the UPC? A practical guide to risk, cost and timing for European patent portfolios.
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When to Hire a European Patent Attorney
The right time to bring in a European Patent Attorney — from first filing and PCT entry through examination, opposition, UPC and portfolio strategy.
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How to File a European Patent from the US
A practical guide for US companies filing a European patent — direct EPO filing, PCT regional phase, deadlines and what to prepare.
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Validating a European Patent from the US
What to do after the EPO grants your patent: validation deadlines, translations, national fees and common mistakes US companies make.
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EPO Filing Process: From Draft to Grant
A step-by-step guide to the EPO filing process for US companies — from drafting through search, examination, grant and opposition.
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Patent Attorney vs Patent Lawyer
The difference between a patent attorney and a patent lawyer — and why it matters when you are filing in Europe or working with European counsel.
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European Patent vs Unitary Patent
A practical comparison of the traditional European patent and the Unitary Patent — coverage, differences and how to choose.
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How to Choose a European Patent Attorney
A practical guide for US companies choosing a European Patent Attorney — qualifications, technical fit, fee structure and red flags.
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European Patent Attorney Cost: 2026 Fees Guide
Real 2026 costs to hire a European Patent Attorney — EPO fees, attorney fees, validation and renewals for US companies filing in Europe.
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EU Trademark Application: A US Company Guide
How US companies file an EU trademark application at the EUIPO — costs, classes, timelines, opposition risk and what to do before launch.
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Does a US patent protect you in Europe?
No — patent rights are territorial. A US patent gives no enforceable right in Europe. Here is how US companies typically protect inventions through the EPO.
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US Trademark in Europe: Expansion Guide
A US registration does not cover the EU. For most brands, the right starting point is an EU trade mark (EUTM) covering all 27 member states.
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EPO vs EUIPO: Patents & Trade Marks
The EPO handles patents across Europe. The EUIPO handles EU trade marks and designs. They are separate systems, but timing matters for product launches.
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PCT Regional Phase in Europe: A US Guide
Entering the European PCT regional phase starts a fresh EPO examination. Learn how added-matter rules and inventive-step analysis differ from US practice.
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Unitary Patent & UPC: A US Guide
How US companies should weigh the Unitary Patent and UPC against traditional national validations in Europe.
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