FAQ’s
Does Fireball Patents charge for an Initial Meeting ?
No – this is always free.
Invite us to come and see your brilliant inventions, and to learn about your ambitions.
Where convenient, we also use videochat like Zoom & Teams,
What is an “Exploratory Search” by the RVO ?
RVO provides a free service “Oriënterend onderzoek” in Patent Databases.
After submitting a detailed description of your idea, they provide some background info, relevant searching codes and some examples of patents in the same fields. This does not give an opinion on patentability.
What is a Netherlands (NL) Patent ?
NL has a registration system, providing a quicker grant. Patents are searched within 8-10 months, but applications are automatically granted at publication (18m after priority).
The patent includes a copy of the search report and an opinion on patentability. But the patent can only be asserted after an additional examination at the NL Patent Office.
What is Track One at USPTO ?
Track One is a fast track for US Patent Applications. USPTO issues a final decision (grant / refusal) within approx. 12 months. The first Office Action, with search results, is within sent within 2 – 4 months.
Request Track One on filing and pay an additional fee (approx. $4,200 for large entities, but reduced for small/micro entities). Limited to 4 independent and 30 total claims.
What is an EU / EPO / EPC Patent ?
Granted EPO patents can be validated in European states, such as France (FR), Germany (DE), Italy (IT), Spain (ES) and UK (GB). A Unitary Patent can also be specified for a block of more than 15x EU states.
EPO has an examination system, so patents are only granted after 3-5 years of consideration. Within 9m of grant, a patent can be opposed.
What is a PCT (International) Application ?
A filing, search & publication system. No direct grant is possible, but PCT applications can be converted later to national applications in more than 150 states world-wide.
So, decisions on where to patent and translation costs are delayed for up to 30 months from priority.
What is an EU Registered Design ?
Registered EU (Community) Designs provide protection for the appearance of a product for up to 25 years in all EU states.
Protects the “look and feel” of these products – shapes, ornamentation, colours etc. Designs are frequently used for user interfaces and icons.
What is an EU Registered Trademark ?
Registered EU (Community) trade marks allow customers to identify you for specific goods and/or services. Registered trade marks are essential for business branding, and very useful when motivating take-down requests.
EU trade marks are valid for 10 years in all EU states, and can be renewed indefinitely.
What is an I-DEPOT ?
i-DEPOT’s are deposited with the Benelux Office of IP (BOIP), and prove what was known on a particular date. They do not directly create any form of protection.
To help protect Trade Secrets and generate proof for copyright, i-DEPOT’s can be made online of videos, documents, presentations, software releases etc. Why startups should be filing i-DEPOTs
What is a Trade Secret ?
Trade Secrets are internal ideas and know-how which provide a competitive advantage. For example, recipes, source code, ways of working, analytical models, and production processes.
Most countries provide legal protection for secrets under Unfair Competition law, Contract law etc, but legal actions may be difficult. EU has passed dedicated laws to improve protections for Trade Secrets holders.
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Initial meetings or videochats are always free.