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Sale Selling your invention may be a bar to obtaining a patent. Generally, the on-sale bar will prevent a patent applicant from obtaining a patent (or possibly invalidate an issued patent) if the invention has been the subject of a commercial offer for sale more than a year previously and the invention was ready for patenting.

Search A search generally refers to examining the prior art references (patents and published applications) to determine if an invention is patentable.

Sequence rules The sequence rules apply when filing a patent application involving nucleotides or amino acids, wherein the patent office requires the exact sequence of amino acids of such to be disclosed.

Signatures Signatures of certain persons are required to complete documents at the Patent Office. For example, the signature of the inventor is required in filing a patent application.

Small Entity According to the patent office, a small entity falls into one of the following three categories: a for profit company with fewer than 500 employees, a not for profit organization or an independent inventor. A small entity pays reduced fees at the Patent Office.

Specification The specification requires the inventor disclose how to make and use the claimed invention, along with the best mode of making and using through a written description.

Specimens A specimen is an actual example of how a trademark is used in commerce in connection with the good and/or services that the trademark represents.

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