Technology companies and inventors seek patent protection to legally maintain exclusivity of manufacturing their products, deterring competitors. New startups often turn to patent lawyers (read: https://www.babbittcu.com/patent-lawyers-for-startups/) as their partner in mapping out their patent strategy, as it’s often too complex for one to figure out themselves.

Why in Houston?

Texas is increasingly becoming a hub for businesses to relocate, especially from high-cost states such as California. When you’re located in Texas, and you haven’t found a patent lawyer yet, it is important to find a local patent attorney who understands the unique challenges that Texans face. Texas is unique from other states in its business-friendly free enterprise laws. While Austin is a “mecca” of sorts for various big tech companies, Houston is another area that is ripe for opportunities.

Whether to seek patent protection or to maintain an invention as a trade secret is a decision that must be considered in each case by examining the relevant facts.

A more robust requirement on the subject matter of a patent is that the invention defined in the claim for patent protection must be new or novel.

The Test for Non-Obviousness

In patent-registration, the test for non-obviousness is whether the subject matter sought to be patented and the prior art are such that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made. This means that the invention would demand an unusual level of skill to be produced.

A patent assignment can transfer the entire interest or a partial interest in a patent.

Provisional Patents

You do not have to file a provisional patent before filing for a utility patent or a design patent. This option does give you an advantage: you can legally market your invention as patent pending. You have 12 months from the time you file a provisional patent application to file a nonprovisional patent.

The provisional patent application specification does not have to include all of the elements required for a regular patent application specification.

Both patent attorneys and patent agents are permitted to prepare an application for a patent, and conduct a prosecution in the USPTO. Many patent lawyers, such as the one Patent Lawyers for Startups - Babbittcu recommends, will give you a direct number to reach them if you have any questions or concerns about your case.

Total disclosure of the invention is mandated to allow the public to freely use the invention once the patent has expired.

The cost to obtain a design patent or file a provisional application is significantly less than the cost of obtaining a utility patent due to lower fees and less work involved.

Under U.S. law, design patents last for 20 years from the date the patent office grants a design patent application.

Patents vs. Trade Secrets

In the event you don’t want the details of your invention to be published, trade secret law is the other option. A clear case in favor of trade secrets is when the advantage of owning the technology is of very short duration. Owners of trade secrets have exclusive rights to make use of the secret only as long as the secret is maintained.

The process of applying for a patent is confusing because the Patent Office gives you four different options for filing a patent application.

A patent pending search is a type of patent search that looks for patent applications that may affect whether your invention qualifies for a patent.

Governments have a range of public policy measures outside the field of intellectual property to address issues of access to and prices of drugs.

You can start the process of licensing your patent by making a list of manufacturers with strong distribution channels.

Patent applicants generally rely on trade secret law to protect their inventions while the patent applications are pending.

You can apply for both a utility and a design patent for the same invention if your invention has both a useful application as well as the design features you want to protect.

The patent law of the United States of America requires that the applicant in a patent application must be the inventor. A patent attorney or patent agent may represent the inventors named in a patent application. The choice of an attorney is an important decision and should not be made solely on advertising.

The patent application must contain a written description of the invention and how to make and use the invention in such complete terms as to enable others to make and use it. A better Houston patent attorney will help you tailor your application for success, standing out from the thousands of other businesses whose patent applications are rejected.

Solar power is a sustainable and non-polluting source of energy that has actually been used for centuries. Nevertheless, it wasn’t till recently that the technology to harness solar power efficiently and affordably became available. Solar energy is one of the most abundant renewable resources on this world. It’s discovered in the sunlight and heat from the sun, along with from other sources such as geothermal, hydropower, wind, biomass, and even ocean waves. Solar power can be converted into heat or light, or be utilized to produce electrical energy straight. There are several ways to use solar power, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The 3 primary methods of utilizing solar energy are photovoltaic panels, concentrated solar power systems and thermal collectors. Let’s take a more detailed take a look at how photovoltaic panel technology works …

What are Photovoltaic Panels?

Photovoltaic panels, also known as solar panels, are the most affordable and widely utilized method of utilizing solar energy. These panels are made from semi-conductive materials that soak up sunshine and convert it into electricity. Panels are mounted on roofs or installed on the ground, and wired together to form an “array.” The amount of energy produced depends upon the quantity of sunshine that strikes the panels, their performance, size of the installation, and the environment. Solar energy is considered a renewable resource source due to the fact that the sun will always be around, and the amount of energy it produces is constant. Today, there are a variety of photovoltaic panel models readily available such as crystalline silicon, thin film, and cadmium telluride.

Focused Solar Power

Focused solar power, or CSP, uses mirrors to focus sunshine on solar collectors. The heat from the collectors is utilized to generate steam to drive turbines that produce electricity. Just like photovoltaic panels, the sun’s intensity and readily available surface area are critical consider the amount of energy that can be produced. CSP plants are most effective in locations where sunshine is plentiful and temperatures are high. The technology is typically used to produce electrical energy for big commercial operations, such as mining and water desalination. CSP is a relatively brand-new type of solar energy that has greater generating capability than photovoltaic systems.

Thermal Collectors

Another kind of solar power is thermal collectors, which use the sun’s heat to drive a process that generates electricity. Thermal collectors are utilized in solar water heater, and in solar thermal power plants, also called concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. Solar thermal energy is another method of harnessing solar energy, separate from photovoltaic systems. But like photovoltaic systems, solar thermal collectors use sunshine to generate energy. Solar thermal collectors can be set up on roofs or utilized at bigger scales to create electricity. Large-scale solar thermal plant operations, nevertheless, are unusual in the U.S.

How Solar Panels Work

Photovoltaic panel have photovoltaic cells that gather the sun’s energy and change it into electrical energy. Each photovoltaic cell is comprised of two layers: an electron-rich layer that is positively charged, and a negatively charged electron-deficient layer. When light hits the top layer, it knocks loose electrons from the bottom layer. As the electrons move from one layer to the other, they create a current, which can then be used to power appliances, charge batteries, or connect to the electricity grid. The quantity of energy a photovoltaic panel can produce depends on a variety of elements, consisting of: The quantity of sunshine available in the location The variety of hours of sunlight a day The effectiveness of the photovoltaic panels The voltage of the system Solar power is a sustainable source of energy, but one that is dependent on sunlight. If there is no sunlight, the panels do not produce power even though they do not pollute or add to environment change.

Pros of Using Solar Energy

Sustainability – Solar energy is derived from a naturally occurring resource. It’s a renewable resource source so it doesn’t run out like nonrenewable fuel sources do. There is also no risk of depletion like there is with natural resources like water and minerals.
No greenhouse gases – Like other kinds of renewable energy like hydropower, geothermal and wind, solar power does not produce any greenhouse gases.
No pollution – When photovoltaic panels are used inside your home or in metropolitan settings, they can produce energy without producing any pollution.
No fuel costs – Solar panels are powered by sunlight, not by a fuel. This suggests that you do not need to stress over buying or saving fuel, or any associated costs.

Use of existing infrastructure – You can use the existing electrical circuitry in your home to power your photovoltaic panel system.
Grid-tied systems – Unlike other alternative energy sources, you can link your solar panels to the grid. This enables you to offer your excess energy to your regional energy business.

No water use – Hydropower is one of the biggest factors to renewable energy sources, but it requires a great deal of water. Photovoltaic panel don’t require any water, which is especially important in deserts.
No land use – Unlike wind turbines, solar panels don’t need any land for setup.
No wildlife impact – Solar panels do not kill birds and other wildlife like other energy sources do.

Cons of Using Solar Energy

Seasonal variability – Solar energy depends on the amount of sunlight available in a area at a offered time. In general, the quantity of sunshine is greater in the summer than in the winter. The amount of sunlight received in the winter is frequently sufficient to meet the energy needs of a home.
Adequate sunlight – Solar panels require to be situated in a way that they can get direct sunlight, a minimum of 6 hours a day. If they do not get enough sunlight, they can’t generate electrical energy.
Less hours of sunlight in winter season – Because sunshine is lower in winter, it takes longer for photovoltaic panels to create the same quantity of energy as in summer season.
Atmospheric conditions – Clouds can obstruct the sun and lower the amount of energy reaching photovoltaic panels.

Conclusion

Solar energy has been around for centuries, but just in the past couple of years has innovation advanced to the point where it can be utilized successfully. The 3 main techniques of using solar energy are photovoltaic panels, concentrated solar power systems and thermal collectors. Solar panels are the most cost-effective and extensively utilized method of utilizing solar energy, while CSP uses mirrors to focus sunlight on collectors. If you would like more information, please see www.dragonsbreathsolar.co.uk/product-category/solar-home-battery-storage

Why Do So Many Companies Use Floor Decals For Their Marketing Campaigns?

Vinyl floor decals are a great way to advertise your shop or business. They allow you to get your name, company message, and custom graphic in front of hundreds of potential customers every week. Read more about what floor graphics are used for. These custom floor graphics are affordable, as they won`t break the bank when compared with other outdoor advertising expenses.

The Various Types of Establishments That Use This Marketing Technique

Supermarkets Use Them to Lead Shoppers Directly to Their Products

Grocery Store: Floor advertising is always a hit at the grocery store. Floor graphics are a great way to attract shoppers to the grocery store. You can lead them precisely to your aisle. They can proudly display their favourite groceries for weeks by sticking stickers on their carts.

Retail Stores Use Floor Decals to Emphasize Items For Sale

This place is ideal for business floor decals, or a color decal in bright colors. Direct customers often notice them when they enter retail spaces. This makes it an excellent opportunity to bring attention to sales. Paper is typically the default material for a custom sticker but can also be vinyl, cloth, or fabric.

They By Restaurants As An Additional Advertising Avenue

It is also a popular place to place floor decal stickers, such as in restaurants. These establishments are a favorite place to eat and drink. Custom floor stickers are an easy and practical way to advertise your business. Read more about what floor graphics are used for. For example, placing custom vinyl stickers on the front door of your business will help bring in customers in the early morning and again later in the evening.

Cafes Use Them to Show Off Their Menu Or To Attract More Customers

These businesses are popular with young professionals and college students during lunch. Adding custom floor decals and custom street decals in cafes will draw heavy traffic to your establishment and help send out your advertising messages. Wall decals that promote the exceptional food, drinks, and coffees offered by your establishment are also more effective.

Car Repair Shops May Use Them On Cars For An Interesting Advertising Strategy

Sometimes, car repair shops need a little promotion to drum up business. You can place custom decals on your windshields or add indoor floor stickers to your building. It could also be creative to make custom company decals that say “I fixed that up” on repaired cars. To avoid vinyl from being damaged by abrasive substances, make sure you use high-quality vinyl materials.

Sporting Goods Stores Use This To Advertise Their Products and Motivate Their Staff

There are many sporting goods stores that sell baseball caps, soccer balls, and basketballs. A vinyl decal is a great idea for staff vehicles. Custom street decals in the front of the store or removable floor decals inside also help. Floor graphics not only increase foot traffic, but they also help your marketing campaign.

Gyms Use These As A Way to Further Motivate Their Clients During Workouts

Many gyms have a wall full of towels, weights and other heavy equipment. A vinyl floor sticker that says something like “I`m lost, I`m finding my way” or “I`m so tired I could sleep a little longer” will encourage members to take a trip to the gym. In addition, they will see their workout towel rack as a constant reminder of their goal.

The Benefits of Using Custom Floor Decals or Vinyl Stickers

It is important to know that businesses have been using the floor surfaces of busy shops and brands for decades to display directional signage, temporary flooring graphics, and other advertising campaigns. Check out here what more floor graphics can do. Custom floor graphics and outdoor graphics can be a great addition to your business`s space and location. 

There are many reasons to use custom-made floor decals in your retail and business advertising. You can think about the types of customers you are trying to attract, and how many foot traffic you need. You can place stickers on your children`s workout towels if you want them to see the logo of their favorite sports. A sticker on a towel can be a great way to promote grocers or the word “grocer”.