[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":467},["ShallowReactive",2],{"document-checklist-faq-about-patents-D959":3},{"document":4,"label":23,"preview":11,"thumb":24,"description":5,"descriptionCustom":6,"apiDescription":5,"pages":8,"extension":10,"parents":25,"breadcrumb":29,"related":35,"customDescModule":181,"customdescription":6,"mdFm":182,"mdProseHtml":466},{"description":5,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":7,"pages":8,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":11,"thumb":12,"svgFrame":13,"seoMetadata":14,"parents":15,"keywords":22},"CHECKLIST Frequently-Asked Questions about Patents (USA) What do the terms \"patent pending\" and \"patent applied for\" mean? They are used by a manufacturer or seller of an article to inform the public that an application for a patent on that article is on file in the Patent and Trademark Office. The law imposes a fine on those who use these terms falsely to deceive the public. Is there any danger that the Patent and Trademark Office will give others information contained in my application while it is pending? No. All patent applications are maintained in the strictest confidence until the patent is issued. After the patent is issued, however, the Office file containing the application and all correspondence leading up to issuance of the patent is made available in the Files Information Unit for inspection by anyone and copies of these files may be purchased from the Office. May I write to the Patent and Trademark Office directly about my application after it is filed? The Office will answer an applicant's inquiries as to the status of the application, and inform you whether your application has been rejected, allowed, or is awaiting action. However, if you have a patent attorney or agent of record in the application file the Office will not correspond with both you and the attorney/agent concerning the merits of your application. All comments concerning your application should be forwarded through your attorney or agent. Is it necessary to go to the PTO to transact business concerning patent matters? No. Most business with the Office is conducted by correspondence. Interviews regarding pending applications can be arranged with examiners if necessary, however, and are often helpful. If two or more persons work together to make an invention, to whom will the patent be granted? If each had a share in the ideas forming the invention, they are joint inventors and a patent will be issued to them jointly on the basis of a proper patent application. If, on the other hand, one of these persons has provided all of the ideas of the invention, and the other has only followed instructions in making it, the person who contributed the ideas is the sole inventor and the patent application and patent shall be in his/her name alone. Does the Patent and Trademark Office control the fees charged by patent attorneys and agents for their services? No. This is a matter between you and your patent attorney or agent in which the Office takes no part. To avoid misunderstanding you may wish to ask for estimate charges for: (a) the search (b) preparation of the patent application, and (c) Patent and Trademark Office prosecution",null,"Checklist FAQ About Patents","2",39,"doc","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/checklist_faq-about-patents-D959.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/959.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#959.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[16,19],{"label":17,"url":18},"Legal Agreements","/templates/business-legal-agreements/",{"label":20,"url":21},"Copyrights, Patents & Trademarks","/templates/copyrights-patent-trademark/","checklist faq about patents","Checklist FAQ About Patents Template","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/400px/959.png",[26,16,19],{"label":27,"url":28},"Templates","/templates/",[30,31,32],{"label":27,"url":28},{"label":17,"url":18},{"label":33,"url":34},"Intellectual Property & Licensing","/templates/intellectual-property-and-licensing/",[36,40,44,48,52,56,60,64,68,72,76,80,84,101,119,135,150,165],{"label":37,"url":38,"thumb":39,"extension":10},"FAQ Template","/template/faq-template-D13839","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13839.png",{"label":41,"url":42,"thumb":43,"extension":10},"Inquiry About Last Quotation","/template/inquiry-about-last-quotation-D1264","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/1264.png",{"label":45,"url":46,"thumb":47,"extension":10},"Sorry About the Mistake in Invoice","/template/sorry-about-the-mistake-in-invoice-D1279","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/1279.png",{"label":49,"url":50,"thumb":51,"extension":10},"Checklist Business Deductions","/template/checklist-business-deductions-D304","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/304.png",{"label":53,"url":54,"thumb":55,"extension":10},"Checklist For Establishing a Website","/template/checklist-for-establishing-a-website-D830","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/830.png",{"label":57,"url":58,"thumb":59,"extension":10},"Checklist Equipment Inventory List","/template/checklist-equipment-inventory-list-D1133","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/1133.png",{"label":61,"url":62,"thumb":63,"extension":10},"Checklist Employment Agreements","/template/checklist-employment-agreements-D563","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/563.png",{"label":65,"url":66,"thumb":67,"extension":10},"Checklist Hiring Employees","/template/checklist-hiring-employees-D564","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/564.png",{"label":69,"url":70,"thumb":71,"extension":10},"Checklist Pre-Employment","/template/checklist-pre-employment-D567","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/567.png",{"label":73,"url":74,"thumb":75,"extension":10},"Acknowledgment and Waiver About Employee Dating","/template/acknowledgment-and-waiver-about-employee-dating-D614","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/614.png",{"label":77,"url":78,"thumb":79,"extension":10},"Reply to Inquiry about Discontinued Model","/template/reply-to-inquiry-about-discontinued-model-D1337","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/1337.png",{"label":81,"url":82,"thumb":83,"extension":10},"Reply to Request About Credit Rejection","/template/reply-to-request-about-credit-rejection-D275","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/275.png",{"description":85,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":86,"pages":87,"size":88,"extension":10,"preview":89,"thumb":90,"svgFrame":91,"seoMetadata":92,"parents":94,"keywords":93,"url":100},"NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT (NDA) This Non-Disclosure Agreement (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Disclosing Party\"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [RECEIVING PARTY NAME] (the \"Receiving Party\"), an individual with his main address located at OR a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] WHEREAS, Receiving Party has been or will be engaged in the performance of work on [DESCRIBE]; and in connection therewith will be given access to certain confidential and proprietary information; and WHEREAS, Receiving Party and Disclosing Party wish to evidence by this Agreement the manner in which said confidential and proprietary material will be treated. NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows: NON-DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION Both Parties understand and agree that each Party may have access to the confidential information of the other party. For the purposes of this Agreement, \"Confidential Information\" means proprietary and confidential information about the Disclosing Party's (or it's suppliers') business or activities. Such information includes all business, financial, technical, and other information marked or designated by such Party as \"confidential\" or \"proprietary.\" Confidential Information also includes information which, by the nature of the circumstances surrounding the disclosure, ought in good faith to be treated as confidential. For the purposes of this Agreement, Confidential Information does not include: Information that is currently in the public domain or that enters the public domain after the signing of this Agreement. Information a Party lawfully receives from a third Party without restriction on disclosure and without breach of a non-disclosure obligation. Information that the Receiving Party knew prior to receiving any Confidential Information from the Disclosing Party. Information that the Receiving Party independently develops without reliance on any Confidential Information from the Disclosing Party. Each Party agrees that it will not disclose to any third Party or use any Confidential Information disclosed to it by the other Party except when expressly permitted in writing by the other Party. Each Party also agrees that it will take all reasonable measures to maintain the confidentiality of all Confidential Information of the other Party in its possession or control. TERM The term of this Agreement is [number] of [years/months] from the date of execution by both Parties. TITLE The Receiving Party agrees that all Confidential Information furnished by the Disclosing Party shall remain the sole property of the Disclosing Party. DISCLAIMER","Non Disclosure Agreement Nda","3",513,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12692.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12692.xml",{"title":93,"description":6},"non disclosure agreement nda",[95,97],{"label":17,"url":96},"business-legal-agreements",{"label":98,"url":99},"Confidentiality Agreements","confidentiality-agreement","/template/non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692",{"description":102,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":103,"pages":104,"size":105,"extension":10,"preview":106,"thumb":107,"svgFrame":108,"seoMetadata":109,"parents":110,"keywords":117,"url":118},"Employee Handbook Understanding employment at [YOUR COMPANY NAME] Revised on [DATE] Prepared By: [YOUR NAME] [YOUR JOB TITLE] Phone 555.555.5555 Email info@yourbusiness.com www.yourbusiness.com Table of Content Table of Content 2 Welcome to [YOUR COMPANY NAME]! 5 1. Organization Description 6 1.1 Introductory Statement 6 1.2 Customer Relations 6 1.3 Products and Services Provided 7 1.4 Facilities and Location(s) 7 1.5 The History of [YOUR COMPANY NAME] 7 1.6 Management Philosophy 7 1.7 Goals 8 2. The Employment 9 2.1 Nature of Employment 9 2.2 Employee Relations 9 2.3 Equal Employment Opportunity 10 2.4 Diversity 10 2.5 Business Ethics and Conduct 12 2.6 Personal Relationships in the Workplace 13 2.7 Conflicts of Interest 13 2.8 Outside Employment 14 2.9 Non-Disclosure 15 2.10 Disability Accommodation 16 2.11 Job Posting and Employee Referrals 17 2.12 Whistleblower Policy 18 2.13 Accident and First Aid 20 3. Employment Status and Records 21 3.1 Employment Categories 21 3.2 Access to Personnel Files 22 3.3 Personnel Data Changes 23 3.4 Probation Period 23 3.5 Employment Applications 24 3.6 Performance Evaluation 24 3.7 Job Descriptions 25 3.8 Salary Administration 25 3.9 Professional Development 26 4. Employee Benefit Programs 27 4.1 Employee Benefits 27 4.2 Vacation Benefits 27 4.3 Military Service Leave 29 4.4 Religious Observance 29 4.5 Holidays 29 4.6 Workers Insurance 30 4.7 Sick Leave Benefits 31 4.8 Bereavement Leave 32 4.9 Relocation Benefits 33 4.10 Educational Assistance 33 4.11 Health Insurance 34 4.12 Life Insurance 35 4.13 Long Term Disability 35 4.14 Marriage, Maternity and Parental Leave 36 5. Timekeeping / Payroll 40 5.1 Timekeeping 40 5.2 Paydays 40 5.3 Employment Termination 41 5.4 Administrative Pay Corrections 42 6. Work Conditions and Hours 43 6.1 Work Schedules 43 6.2 Absences 43 6.3 Jury Duty 45 6.4 Use of Phone and Mail Systems 45 6.5 Smoking 46 6.6 Meal Periods 46 6.7 Overtime 46 6.8 Use of Equipment 47 6.9 Telecommuting 47 6.10 Emergency Closing 48 6.11 Business Travel Expenses 49 6.12 Visitors in the Workplace 51 6.13 Computer and Email Usage 51 6.14 Internet Usage 52 6.15 Workplace Monitoring 54 6.16 Workplace Violence Prevention 55 7. Employee Conduct & Disciplinary Action 57 7.1 Employee Conduct and Work Rules 57 7.2 Sexual and Other Unlawful Harassment 58 7.3 Attendance and Punctuality 60 7.4 Personal Appearance 60 7.5 Return of Property 61 7.6 Resignation and Retirement 61 7.7 Security Inspections 62 7.8 Progressive Discipline 62 7.9 Problem Resolution 64 7.10 Workplace Etiquette 65 7.11 Suggestion Program 67 Acknowledgement of Receipt 68 Welcome to [YOUR COMPANY NAME]! On behalf of your colleagues, we welcome you to [YOUR COMPANY NAME] and wish you every success here. At [YOUR COMPANY NAME], we believe that each employee contributes directly to the growth and success of the company, and we hope you will take pride in being a member of our team. This handbook was developed to describe some of the expectations of our employees and to outline the policies, programs, and benefits available to eligible employees. Employees should become familiar with the contents of the employee handbook as soon as possible, for it will answer many questions about employment with [YOUR COMPANY NAME]. We believe that professional relationships are easier when all employees are aware of the culture and values of the organization. This guide will help you to better understand our vision for the future of our business and the challenges that are ahead. We hope that your experience here will be challenging, enjoyable, and rewarding. Again, welcome! [PRESIDENT NAME] President & CEO 1. Organization Description 1.1 Introductory Statement This handbook is designed to acquaint you with [YOUR COMPANY NAME] and provide you with information about working conditions, employee benefits, and some of the policies affecting your employment. You should read, understand, and comply with all provisions of the handbook. It describes many of your responsibilities as an employee and outlines the programs developed by [YOUR COMPANY NAME] to benefit employees. One of our objectives is to provide a work environment that is conducive to both personal and professional growth. No employee handbook can anticipate every circumstance or question about policy. As [YOUR COMPANY NAME] continues to grow, the need may arise and [YOUR COMPANY NAME] reserves the right to revise, supplement, or rescind any policies or portion of the handbook from time to time as it deems appropriate, in its sole and absolute discretion. Employees will be notified of such changes to the handbook as they occur. 1.2 Customer Relations Customers are among our organization's most valuable assets. Every employee represents [YOUR COMPANY NAME] to our customers and the public. The way we do our jobs presents an image of our entire organization. Customers judge all of us by how they are treated with each employee contact. Therefore, one of our first business priorities is to assist any customer or potential customer. Nothing is more important than being courteous, friendly, helpful, and prompt in the attention you give to customers. [YOUR COMPANY NAME] will provide customer relations and services training to all employees with extensive customer contact. Customers who wish to lodge specific comments or complaints should be directed to the [TITLE AND NAME OF THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE] for appropriate action. Our personal contact with the public, our manners on the telephone, and the communications we send to customers are a reflection not only of ourselves, but also of the professionalism of [YOUR COMPANY NAME]. Positive customer relations not only enhance the public's perception or image of [YOUR COMPANY NAME], but also pay off in greater customer loyalty and increased sales and profit. 1.3 Products and Services Provided You will find more information about our products and services by reading the [YOUR COMPANY NAME] Corporate Brochures. 1.4 Facilities and Location(s) Head Office: [ADDRESS] [CITY], [STATE] [ZIP/POSTAL CODE] [COUNTRY] 1.5 The History of [YOUR COMPANY NAME] [DESCRIBE THE HISTORY OF YOUR COMPANY HERE] 1.6 Management Philosophy [YOUR COMPANY NAME] management philosophy is based on responsibility and mutual respect. Our wishes are to maintain a work environment that fosters on personal and professional growth for all employees. Maintaining such an environment is the responsibility of every staff person. Because of their role, managers and supervisors have the additional responsibility to lead in a manner which fosters an environment of respect for each person. People who come to [YOUR COMPANY NAME] want to work here because we have created an environment that encourages creativity and achievement. [YOUR COMPANY NAME] aims to become a leader in [DESCRIBE YOUR COMPANY'S FIELD OF EXPERTISE]. The mainstay of our strategy will be to offer a level of client focus that is superior to that offered by our competitors. To help achieve this objective, [YOUR COMPANY NAME] seeks to attract highly motivated individuals that want to work as a team and share in the commitment, responsibility, risk taking, and discipline required to achieve our vision. Part of attracting these special individuals will be to build a culture that promotes both uniqueness and a bias for action. While we will be realistic in setting goals and expectations, [YOUR COMPANY NAME] will also be aggressive in reaching its objectives. This success will in turn enable [YOUR COMPANY NAME] to give its employees above average compensation and innovative benefits or rewards, key elements in helping us maintain our leadership position in the worldwide marketplace. 1.7 Goals [DESCRIBE YOUR COMPANY'S GOALS HERE] 2. The Employment 2","Employee Handbook","34",280,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/employee-handbook-D712.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/712.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#712.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[111,114],{"label":112,"url":113},"Human Resources","human-resources",{"label":115,"url":116},"Company Policies","company-policies","employee handbook","/template/employee-handbook-D712",{"description":120,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":121,"pages":122,"size":88,"extension":10,"preview":123,"thumb":124,"svgFrame":125,"seoMetadata":126,"parents":128,"keywords":127,"url":134},"EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - AT WILL EMPLOYEE This Employment Agreement for \"At Will\" Employee (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective this [DATE], BETWEEN: [EMPLOYEE NAME] (the \"Employee\"), an individual with his main address at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Corporation\"), an entity organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] RECITALS In consideration of the covenants and agreements herein contained and the moneys to be paid hereunder, the Corporation hereby employs the Employee and the Employee hereby agrees to perform services as an employee of the Corporation, on an \"at will\" basis, upon the following terms and conditions: APPOINTMENT The Employee is hereby employed by the Corporation to render such services and to perform such tasks as may be assigned by the Corporation. The Corporation may, in its sole discretion, increase or reduce the duties, or modify the title and job description, of the Employee from time to time, and any such increase, reduction or modification shall not be deemed a termination of this Agreement. ACCEPTANCE OF EMPLOYMENT Employee accepts employment with the Corporation upon the terms set forth above and agrees to devote all Employee's time, energy and ability to the interests of the Corporation, and to perform Employee's duties in an efficient, trustworthy and business-like manner. DEVOTION OF TIME TO EMPLOYMENT The Employee shall devote the Employee's best efforts and substantially all of the Employee's working time to performing the duties on behalf of the Corporation. The Employee shall provide services during the hours that are scheduled by the Corporation management. The Employee shall be prompt in reporting to work at the assigned time. NO CONFLICT OF INTEREST Employee shall not engage in any other business while employed by the Corporation. Employee shall not engage in any activity that conflicts with the Employees duties to the Corporation. Employee shall not provide any service or lend any aid or assistance to any party that competes with the services offered by the Corporation. Employee shall not provide any services to clients or prospective clients of the Corporation outside of the provision of services for the Corporation, whether such services are provided with or without compensation or remuneration. CORPORATION PROPERTY Employee acknowledges and agrees that while employed by the Corporation the Employee may be provided with use of computer equipment and other property of the Corporation. The use and possession of the such items shall be subject to any policies, requirements or restrictions established by the Corporation. Such items may only be used in performance of the Employee's duties for the corporation. On request of the Corporation, the Employee shall immediately deliver any such items to the Corporation. Upon termination of employment, Employee shall have the affirmative duty to return any such item to the Corporation whether a request is made or not. The obligation to return Corporation property shall extend and include any and all work product, client property, proprietary rights, intangible property, and all other property of the corporation regardless of the form or medium. COMPENSATION The Corporation shall pay the Employee such hourly compensation as determined by the Corporation. Payment shall be at the same time as the Corporations usual payroll to other employees. BONUS & BENEFITS Payment of any bonuses shall be at the complete discretion of the Corporation. No guarantee or representation that any bonuses will be paid has been made to the Employee. Standard benefits that are provided to other non-management employees shall be offered to the Employee, subject to the Corporation's policies and the terms and conditions of such benefits. WITHHOLDING All sums payable to Employee under this Agreement will be reduced by all federal, state, local, and other withholdings and similar taxes and payments required by applicable law. QUALIFICATIONS OF EMPLOYEE The employee shall satisfy all of the qualification that are established by the Corporation. TERM OF AGREEMENT There shall be no guaranteed term of employment. Employer acknowledges and agrees that Employee shall be an \"At Will\" Employee and that Employee's employment may be terminated at any time by the Corporation, with or without cause. FEES FROM EMPLOYEE'S WORK The Corporation shall have exclusive authority to determine the fees, or a procedure for establishing the fees, to be charged to clients by the Corporation for services that are provided by the Employee. All sums paid to the Employee or the Corporation in the way of fees, in cash or in kind, or otherwise for services of the Employee, shall, except as otherwise specifically agreed by the Corporation, be and remain the property of the Corporation and shall be included in the Corporation's name in such checking account or accounts as the Corporation may from time to time designate. CLIENTS AND CLIENT RECORDS The Corporation shall have the authority to determine who will be accepted as clients of the Corporation, and the Employee recognizes that such clients accepted are clients of the Corporation and not the Employee. All client records and files of any type concerning clients of the Corporation shall belong to and remain the property of the Corporation, notwithstanding the subsequent termination of the employment. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The Corporation shall have the authority to establish from time to time the policies and procedures to be followed by the Employee in performing services for the Corporation. This may include, but is not necessarily limited to, employment policies, computer use policies, Internet access policies, email policies, and all other policies, procedures, directives, and mandates established by the Corporation, whether or not in written form or formally adopted. Employee shall abide by the provisions of any contract entered into by the Corporation under which the Employee provides services. Employee shall comply with the terms and conditions of any and all contracts entered by the Corporation. TERMINATION Employee acknowledges and agrees that Employee is an \"at will\" employee of the Corporation. As such, no term of employment is created hereby and employee may be terminated at any time in the sole discretion of the Corporation, whether there exists any cause for termination or not. CREATIONS AND INVENTIONS Employee acknowledges and agrees that any and all work product of the Employee that is conceived or created during the Employee's employment with the Corporation is the exclusive property of the Corporation. This shall include any and all copyrights, trade secrets, confidential information, patents, trademarks, trade dress, ideas, concepts, plans, business plans, business concepts, techniques, inventions, drawings, artwork, logos, graphics, web pages, databases, software, programs, CGI's, plug ins, applications, brochures, inventions, marketing plans and concepts, and all other ideas and work product of the Employee. The Employee acknowledges and agrees that all creations shall be \"works made for hire\" as defined in the [ACT OR CODE]. Notwithstanding the fact that this material may be considered to be a work made for hire, Employee agrees, during Employee's employment and thereafter, which covenant shall survive any termination of the employment relationship, to execute any and all documents requested by the Corporation to confirm the Corporation's ownership and control of all such material, including but not limited to assignments of copyright, confirmations of work for hire status, waivers of proprietary rights, copyright application, and any other documents requested by Corporation. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS","Employment Agreement_At Will Employee","7","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/employment-agreement_at-will-employee-D541.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/541.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#541.xml",{"title":127,"description":6},"employment agreement_at will employee",[129,130,133],{"label":112,"url":113},{"label":131,"url":132},"Hire an Employee","hire-employee",{"label":17,"url":96},"/template/employment-agreement_at-will-employee-D541",{"description":136,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":137,"pages":138,"size":139,"extension":10,"preview":140,"thumb":141,"svgFrame":142,"seoMetadata":143,"parents":144,"keywords":148,"url":149},"INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT This Independent Contractor Agreement (\"Agreement\") is made and effective [Date], BETWEEN: [INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR NAME] (the \"Independent Contractor\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Company\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] RECITALS Independent Contractor is engaged in providing [Describe] business services, its Employer Tax I.D. Number is [Insert], and its Business License Number is [insert]. Independent Contractor has complied with all Federal, State, and local laws regarding business permits, sales permits, licenses, reporting requirements, tax withholding requirements, and other legal requirements of any kind that may be required to carry out said business and the Scope of Work which is to be performed as an Independent Contractor pursuant to this Agreement. Independent Contractor is or remains open to conducting similar tasks or activities for clients other than the Company and holds themselves out to the public to be a separate business entity. Company desires to engage and contract for the services of the Independent Contractor to perform certain tasks as set forth below. Independent Contractor desires to enter into this Agreement and perform as an independent contractor for the company and is willing to do so on the terms and conditions set forth below. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals and the mutual promises and conditions contained in this Agreement, the Parties agree as follows: TERMS This Agreement shall be effective commencing [Date], and shall continue until terminated at the completion of the Scope of Work which shall occur no later than [Date] or by either party as otherwise provided herein. STATUS OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR This Agreement does not constitute a hiring by either party. It is the parties intentions that Independent Contractor shall have an independent contractor status and not be an employee for any purposes, including, but not limited to, [laws]. Independent Contractor shall retain sole and absolute discretion in the manner and means of carrying out their activities and responsibilities under this Agreement. This Agreement shall not be considered or construed to be a partnership or joint venture, and the Company shall not be liable for any obligations incurred by Independent Contractor unless specifically authorized in writing. Independent Contractor shall not act as an agent of the Company, ostensibly or otherwise, nor bind the Company in any manner, unless specifically authorized to do so in writing. TASKS, DUTIES, AND SCOPE OF WORK Independent Contractor agrees to devote as much time, attention, and energy as necessary to complete or achieve the following: [Describe]. The above to be referred to in this Agreement as the \"Scope of Work\". It is expected that the Scope of Work will completed by [Date]. Independent Contractor shall additionally perform any and all tasks and duties associated with the Scope of Work set forth above, including but not limited to, work being performed already or related change orders. Independent Contractor shall not be entitled to engage in any activities which are not expressly set forth by this Agreement. The books and records related to the Scope of Work set forth in this Agreement shall be maintained by the Independent Contractor at the Independent Contractor's principal place of business and open to inspection by Company during regular working hours. Documents to which Company will be entitled to inspect include, but are not limited to, any and all contract documents, change orders/purchase orders and work authorized by Independent Contractor or Company on existing or potential projects related to this Agreement. Independent Contractor shall be responsible to the management and directors of Company, but Independent Contractor will not be required to follow or establish a regular or daily work schedule. Supply all necessary equipment, materials and supplies. Independent Contractor will not rely on the equipment or offices of Company for completion of tasks and duties set forth pursuant to this Agreement. Any advice given Independent Contractors regarding the scope of work shall be considered a suggestion only, not an instruction. Company retains the right to inspect, stop, or alter the work of Independent Contractor to assure its conformity with this Agreement. ASSURANCE OF SERVICES Independent Contractor will assure that the following individuals (the \"Key Employees\") will be available to perform, and will perform, the Services hereunder until they are completed (identify by title and name as applicable): [Name of Key Employee, Title] [Name of Key Employee, Title] The Key Employees may be changed only with the prior written approval of the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. COMPENSATION Independent Contractor shall be entitled to compensation for performing those tasks and duties related to the Scope of Work as follows: [Describe] Such compensation shall become due and payable to Independent Contractor in the following time, place, and manner: [Describe] NOTICE CONCERNING WITHHOLDING OF TAXES Independent Contractor recognizes and understands that it will receive a [specify tax] statement and related tax statements, and will be required to file corporate and/or individual tax returns and to pay taxes in accordance with all provisions of applicable Federal and State law. Independent Contractor hereby promises and agrees to indemnify the Company for any damages or expenses, including attorney's fees, and legal expenses, incurred by the Company as a result of independent contractor's failure to make such required payments. AGREEMENT TO WAIVE RIGHTS TO BENEFITS Independent Contractor hereby waives and foregoes the right to receive any benefits given by Company to its regular employees, including, but not limited to, health benefits, vacation and sick leave benefits, profit sharing plans, etc. This waiver is applicable to all non-salary benefits which might otherwise be found to accrue to the Independent Contractor by virtue of their services to Company, and is effective for the entire duration of Independent Contractor's agreement with Company. This waiver is effective independently of Independent Contractor's employment status as adjudged for taxation purposes or for any other purpose. Neither this Agreement, nor any duties or obligations under this Agreement may be assigned by either party without the consent of the other. TERMINATION This Agreement may be terminated prior to the completion or achievement of the Scope of Work by either party giving [number] days written notice. Such termination shall not prejudice any other remedy to which the terminating party may be entitled, either by law, in equity, or under this Agreement. NON-DISCLOSURE OF TRADE SECRETS, CUSTOMER LISTS AND OTHER PROPRIETARY INFORMATION Independent Contractor agrees not to disclose or communicate, in any manner, either during or after Independent Contractor's agreement with Company, information about Company, its operations, clientele, or any other information, that relate to the business of Company including, but not limited to, the names of its customers, its marketing strategies, operations, or any other information of any kind which would be deemed confidential, a trade secret, a customer list, or other form of proprietary information of Company. Independent Contractor acknowledges that the above information is material and confidential and that it affects the profitability of Company. ","Independent Contractor Agreement","6",62,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/independent-contractor-agreement-D160.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/160.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#160.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[145],{"label":146,"url":147},"Consultant & Contractors","consulting-contractor-business","independent contractor agreement","/template/independent-contractor-agreement-D160",{"description":151,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":152,"pages":122,"size":153,"extension":10,"preview":154,"thumb":155,"svgFrame":156,"seoMetadata":157,"parents":158,"keywords":163,"url":164},"INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT This Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement (the \"Agreement\") is effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Assignor\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [COMPANY NAME] (the \"Assignee\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [COMPANY NAME] (the \"Shareholder\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] PREAMBLE WHEREAS [YOUR COMPANY NAME] owns all rights in a patent registered with the [COUNTRY] Patent Office under file number [NUMBER], serial number [NUMBER], entitled [SPECIFY] (the \"Patent\"); WHEREAS [YOUR COMPANY NAME] wishes to assign all rights and title in and to the Patent [COMPANY NAME]; WHEREAS the parties wish to enter into this Agreement on the terms and conditions more particularly provided herein. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above premises and agreements herein contained, the preamble forming an integral part hereof, the parties agree as follows: DEFINITIONS In this Agreement, except where the context or subject matter is inconsistent therewith, the following terms shall have the following meanings: \"Affiliates\" means, with respect to a Party to this Agreement, any person which, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Party. The term \"control\" means possession, direct or indirect, of the powers to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a person, whether through ownership of equity participation, voting securities, or beneficial interests, by contract, by agreement or otherwise. \"Agreement\" shall mean this document, the annexed schedules, which are incorporated herein, together with any future written and executed amendments agreed to by the parties. \"Assigned Rights\" shall mean all rights and title in the Patent and all Intellectual Property Rights in the technology described in the Patent, in all countries. \"Improvements\" means innovations, inventions, ideas, designs, concepts, discoveries, techniques, works, processes, formulas, new derived material and modifications related to the Patent, whether or not patentable, copyrightable, or otherwise protectable as trade secrets or under any other intellectual property, conceived, brought to practice or developed by either Party after the date of this Agreement. \"Intellectual Property Rights\" includes all patents, trade marks, service marks, registered designs, integrated circuits topographies, including applications for any of the foregoing, and includes all copyrights, design rights, know-how, confidential information, trade secrets and any other similar rights in [COUNTRY] and in any other countries. \"Patent\" shall mean the patent described in recitals hereof and its counterpart applications in any country, now or thereafter owned by [YOUR COMPANY NAME] or to which [YOUR COMPANY NAME] otherwise acquires rights, including any patent application, divisional, continuation, provisional, reissue, re-examination, extension certificate, registration, renewal, confirmation and national phase entry application related to such Patent. ASSIGNMENT OF PATENT Subject to the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement, [YOUR COMPANY NAME] hereby irrevocably assigns to [COMPANY NAME] all rights and title and any other rights to the Patent as well as all Intellectual Property Rights in the technology described in the Patent, in all countries. The parties hereby recognize that any and all Intellectual Property Rights in any Improvements shall be held by [COMPANY NAME]. The parties hereby recognize that no Intellectual Property Rights are assigned, licensed or otherwise granted under this Agreement, save and except as explicitly stated in this Section 2. COMPENSATION In consideration of the Assigned Rights, [COMPANY NAME] agrees to pay [YOUR COMPANY NAME] the sum of [AMOUNT] (the \"Purchase Price\") payable upon the execution of this Agreement by all of the parties hereto. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES The Guarantors represent and warrant on a joint and several basis to [COMPANY NAME] that: the Patent and [COMPANY NAME]'s use of the Patent does not, to the best knowledge of the Guarantors, infringe upon any patent, or any trademark, copyright, trade secret or other Intellectual Property Rights or proprietary right of any third party, and that there is currently no actual or threatened suit against [YOUR COMPANY NAME] by any third party based on an alleged violation of such right, and the Guarantors do not know of any basis for any such action; there are no outstanding assignments, grants, licenses, liens, encumbrances, obligations or agreements (whether written, oral or implied) regarding the Patent; [YOUR COMPANY NAME] has all rights, power and authority required in order to grant the Assigned Rights free and clear of all encumbrances or legal restrictions, in accordance with this Agreement; [YOUR COMPANY NAME] has good and marketable title to the Patent; there is no requirement for [YOUR COMPANY NAME] to obtain any other authorization, consent or approval from any third party as a condition to the enforceability of any provision of this Agreement or the lawful conclusion of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; Notwithstanding any investigation conducted prior to the execution of this Agreement, and notwithstanding implied knowledge or notice of any fact or circumstance which [COMPANY NAME] may have as a result of such investigation or otherwise, [COMPANY NAME] shall be entitled to rely upon the representations and warranties set forth herein and the obligations of [YOUR COMPANY NAME] hereto with respect to such representations and warranties shall survive the termination of this Agreement for any reason. The Guarantors, on a joint and several basis, shall indemnify and hold [COMPANY NAME] harmless from all losses, liabilities, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees and costs (collectively, \"Liabilities\"), that [COMPANY NAME] may suffer to the extent resulting from any claims, demands, actions or other proceedings made or instituted by any third party against [COMPANY NAME] and arising out of the use of the Patent, or related to the breach of any obligation or any representation and warranty under this Agreement, except for Liabilities arising out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of [COMPANY NAME]. TERM AND TERMINATION This Agreement shall take effect upon the execution hereof by both parties hereto, and, unless sooner terminated as per paragraph 5.2 below, shall remain in effect until the expiration of the Patent. Upon any material breach or default under this Agreement by either Party, the other Party may give notice of such breach or default and, unless the same shall be cured within [NUMBER] days after delivery of such notice, then, without limitation of any other remedy available hereunder, such Party may terminate this Agreement immediately upon delivery of a notice of termination to the other Party at any time thereafter. The termination of this Agreement by either of the Parties shall be subject to all other rights and remedies available to the Parties hereunder or otherwise. NOTICE","Intellectual Property Assignment",80,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/intellectual-property-assignment-D5229.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/5229.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#5229.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[159,160],{"label":17,"url":96},{"label":161,"url":162},"Transfer & Assignment Agreements","transfer-assignment-agreement","intellectual property assignment","/template/intellectual-property-assignment-D5229",{"description":166,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":167,"pages":168,"size":169,"extension":10,"preview":170,"thumb":171,"svgFrame":172,"seoMetadata":173,"parents":176,"keywords":179,"url":180},"CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT This Confidentiality Agreement (\"Agreement\") is made and effective the [DATE], BETWEEN: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Owner\"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [RECIPIENT NAME] (the \"Recipient\"), an individual with his main address located at OR a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] In consideration of the terms and covenants of this agreement, and other valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows: WHEREAS, Recipient has requested information from Owner in connection with consideration of a possible transaction or relationship between Recipient and Owner. WHEREAS, in the course of consideration of the possible transaction or relationship, Owner may disclose to Recipient confidential, important, and/or proprietary trade secret information concerning Owner and its activities. THEREFORE, the parties agree to enter into a confidential relationship with respect to the disclosure by Owner to Recipient of certain information. Confidential Information Owner proposes to disclose certain of its confidential and proprietary information (the Confidential Information\") to Recipient. Confidential Information shall include all data, materials, products, technology, computer programs, specifications, manuals, business plans, software, marketing plans, financial information, and other information disclosed or submitted, orally, in writing, or by any other media, to Recipient by Owner. Confidential Information disclosed orally shall be identified as such within five (5) days of disclosure. Nothing herein shall require Owner to disclose any of its information. For purposes of this Agreement, the term \"Recipient\" shall include Recipient, the company he or she represents, and all affiliates, subsidiaries, and related companies of Recipient. For purposes of this Agreement, the term \"Representative\" shall include Recipient's directors, officers, employees, agents, and financial, legal, and other advisors. Exclusions Confidential Information does not include information that Recipient can demonstrate: (a) was in Recipient's possession prior to its being furnished to Recipient under the terms of this Agreement, provided the source of that information was not known by Recipient to be bound by a confidentiality agreement with or other continual, legal or fiduciary obligation of confidentiality to Owner; (b) is now, or hereafter becomes, through no act or failure to act on the part of Recipient, generally known to the public; (c) is rightfully obtained by Recipient from a third party, without breach of any obligation to Owner; or (d) is independently developed by Recipient without use of or reference to the Confidential Information. Recipient's Obligations Recipient agrees that the Confidential Information is to be considered confidential and proprietary to Owner and Recipient shall hold the same in confidence, shall not use the Confidential Information other than for the purposes of its business with Owner, and shall disclose it only to its officers, directors, or employees with a specific need to know. Recipient will not disclose, publish or otherwise reveal any of the Confidential Information received from Owner to any other party whatsoever except with the specific prior written authorization of Owner. Confidential Information furnished in tangible form shall not be duplicated by Recipient except for purposes of this Agreement. Upon the request of Owner, Recipient shall return all Confidential Information received in written or tangible form, including copies, or reproductions or other media containing such Confidential Information, within [NUMBER] days of such request. At Recipient's option, any documents or other media developed by the Recipient containing Confidential Information may be destroyed by Recipient. Recipient shall provide a written certificate to Owner regarding destruction within [NUMBER] days thereafter. Term The obligations of Recipient herein shall be effective [Non-Disclosure Period] from the date Owner last discloses any Confidential Information to Recipient pursuant to this Agreement. Further, the obligation not to disclose shall not be affected by bankruptcy, receivership, assignment, attachment or seizure procedures, whether initiated by or against Recipient, nor by the rejection of any agreement between Owner and Recipient, by a trustee of Recipient in bankruptcy, or by the Recipient as a debtor-in-possession or the equivalent of any of the foregoing under local law. Confidentiality Recipient and its Representatives shall not disclose any of the Confidential Information in any manner whatsoever, except as provided in Articles 6 and 7 of this Agreement, and shall hold and maintain the Confidential Information in strictest confidence. Recipient hereby agrees to indemnify Owner against any and all losses, damages, claims, expenses, and attorneys' fees incurred or suffered by Owner as a result of a breach of this Agreement by Recipient or its Representatives. Permitted Disclosures Recipient may disclose Owner's Confidential Information to Recipient's responsible Representatives with a bona fide need to know such Confidential Information, but only to the extent necessary to evaluate or carry out a proposed transaction or relationship with Owner and only if such employees are advised of the confidential nature of such Confidential Information and the terms of this Agreement and are bound by a written agreement or by a legally enforceable code of professional responsibility to protect the confidentiality of such Confidential Information. Required Disclosures Recipient may disclose Owner's Confidential Information if and to the extent that such disclosure is required by court order, provided that Recipient provides Owner a reasonable opportunity to review the disclosure before it is made and to interpose its own objection to the disclosure. Use Recipient and its Representatives shall use the Confidential Information solely for the purpose of evaluating a possible transaction or relationship with Owner and shall not in any way use the Confidential Information to the detriment of Owner. No License Nothing contained herein shall be construed as granting or conferring any rights by license or otherwise in any Confidential Information","Confidentiality Agreement","5",56,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/confidentiality-agreement-D950.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/950.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#950.xml",{"title":174,"description":175},"Confidentiality Agreement - Template & Sample Form | Business-in-a-Box","Confidentiality Agreement Template Sample � Download Now! Simply fill-in the blanks and print in minutes! Instant Access to 1,800 business and legal forms. Download samples of professional documents in Word (.doc) and Excel (.xls) format.",[177,178],{"label":17,"url":96},{"label":98,"url":99},"confidentiality agreement","/template/confidentiality-agreement-D950",false,{"seo":183,"reviewer":195,"quick_facts":199,"at_a_glance":201,"personas":205,"variants":226,"glossary":251,"fields":282,"how_to_fill":328,"common_mistakes":359,"faqs":376,"industries":401,"comparisons":418,"diy_vs_pro":431,"related_template_ids_curated":444,"schema":454,"classification":456},{"meta_title":184,"meta_description":185,"primary_keyword":186,"secondary_keywords":187},"Checklist FAQ About Patents Template | Free Word Download","Free patent FAQ checklist template covering invention disclosure, patentability, application process, costs, and timelines.","patent faq checklist",[188,189,190,191,192,193,194],"patent checklist template","patent faq template","patent application checklist","patent process checklist","invention patent checklist","patent questions checklist","patent guide checklist word",{"name":196,"credential":197,"reviewed_date":198},"Bruno Goulet","CEO, Business in a Box","2026-05-02",{"difficulty":200,"legal_review_recommended":181,"signature_required":181},"easy",{"what_it_is":202,"when_you_need_it":203,"whats_inside":204},"A Checklist FAQ About Patents is a structured reference document that organizes the most common patent questions — covering invention eligibility, application types, costs, timelines, and enforcement — into a scannable checklist format. This free Word download lets you edit, brand, and distribute it to employees, inventors, or stakeholders who need a plain- English orientation to the patent process before engaging a patent attorney.\n","Use it when onboarding inventors to your IP program, briefing a non-technical leadership team on patent strategy, or preparing internal staff to identify and disclose patentable inventions before they are publicly disclosed or shipped in a product.\n","Sections covering what a patent is and what it protects, patentability criteria, types of patents, the application process, cost estimates, prosecution timelines, maintenance obligations, and enforcement basics — each formatted as a checked FAQ item with a concise answer.\n",[206,210,214,218,222],{"title":207,"use_case":208,"icon_asset_id":209},"Startup founders","Understanding patent basics before a first meeting with a patent attorney","persona-startup-founder",{"title":211,"use_case":212,"icon_asset_id":213},"R&D managers","Educating engineering teams on when and how to disclose inventions","persona-rd-manager",{"title":215,"use_case":216,"icon_asset_id":217},"IP coordinators","Standardizing the patent orientation process for new inventors","persona-ip-coordinator",{"title":219,"use_case":220,"icon_asset_id":221},"Small business owners","Deciding whether to pursue a patent before investing in product development","persona-small-business-owner",{"title":223,"use_case":224,"icon_asset_id":225},"Technology transfer officers","Briefing university faculty and researchers on patent eligibility and disclosure obligations","persona-operations-director",[227,231,235,239,243,247],{"situation":228,"recommended_template":229,"slug":230},"Capturing details of a specific invention for attorney review","Invention Disclosure Form","invention-agreement-D13018",{"situation":232,"recommended_template":233,"slug":234},"Tracking the status of multiple patent applications across a portfolio","Patent Tracking Log","telephone-tracking-log-D682",{"situation":236,"recommended_template":237,"slug":238},"Assigning patent ownership from an inventor to a company","Patent Assignment Agreement","patent-assignment-D966",{"situation":240,"recommended_template":241,"slug":242},"Sharing confidential invention details with a third party before filing","Non-Disclosure Agreement","non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692",{"situation":244,"recommended_template":245,"slug":246},"Licensing an existing patent to another company for royalties","Patent License Agreement","patent-license-agreement-D967",{"situation":248,"recommended_template":249,"slug":250},"Documenting IP ownership terms for a new employee or contractor","IP Assignment Clause / Employment Contract","employment-agreement_at-will-employee-D541",[252,255,258,261,264,267,270,273,276,279],{"term":253,"definition":254},"Patent","A government-granted exclusive right to make, use, and sell an invention for a defined period in exchange for public disclosure of how the invention works.",{"term":256,"definition":257},"Utility Patent","The most common patent type, protecting the functional aspects of a new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matter.",{"term":259,"definition":260},"Provisional Patent Application","A lower-cost, informal USPTO filing that establishes a priority date for 12 months without being examined — it does not mature into a patent on its own.",{"term":262,"definition":263},"Prior Art","Any publicly available evidence — patents, publications, products, or public disclosures — that predates the claimed invention and can be used to challenge its novelty.",{"term":265,"definition":266},"Patentability","The set of legal criteria an invention must satisfy to qualify for patent protection: novelty, non-obviousness, and utility.",{"term":268,"definition":269},"Claims","The numbered sentences at the end of a patent application that legally define the exact scope of the invention being protected.",{"term":271,"definition":272},"USPTO","The United States Patent and Trademark Office — the federal agency that examines and grants US patents.",{"term":274,"definition":275},"Patent Prosecution","The back-and-forth process between a patent applicant and the USPTO examiner, including responding to office actions, that leads to a patent being granted or abandoned.",{"term":277,"definition":278},"Non-Obviousness","A patentability requirement that the invention must not have been an obvious next step to a person with ordinary skill in the relevant field at the time it was made.",{"term":280,"definition":281},"Maintenance Fees","Periodic fees paid to the USPTO at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years after grant to keep a utility patent in force for its full 20-year term.",[283,288,293,298,303,308,313,318,323],{"name":284,"plain_english":285,"sample_language":286,"common_mistake":287},"What is a patent and what does it protect?","Defines a patent in plain English and clarifies that it protects functional inventions, ornamental designs, or plant varieties — not ideas, business methods in the abstract, or natural phenomena.","A patent grants the inventor the right to exclude others from making, using, or selling the invention in [JURISDICTION] for [20] years from the filing date, in exchange for full public disclosure.","Treating a patent as protecting an idea rather than a specific, described implementation — inventors who skip this FAQ item often disclose inventions publicly before filing, destroying novelty.",{"name":289,"plain_english":290,"sample_language":291,"common_mistake":292},"Is my invention patentable?","Walks through the three core patentability criteria — novelty, non-obviousness, and utility — and flags common categories of ineligible subject matter such as laws of nature and abstract ideas.","To be patentable, your invention must be: (1) Novel — not previously disclosed or patented; (2) Non-obvious — not an evident step to a skilled person; (3) Useful — having a practical utility.","Assuming a product is patentable simply because no identical product exists on the market — prior art includes publications, academic papers, and foreign patents, not just commercial products.",{"name":294,"plain_english":295,"sample_language":296,"common_mistake":297},"What type of patent do I need?","Distinguishes utility patents (functional inventions), design patents (ornamental appearance), and plant patents (new plant varieties), with a one-line guide on which type applies.","Utility patent: protects how [INVENTION] works. Design patent: protects how [PRODUCT] looks. Plant patent: protects a new asexually reproduced plant variety.","Filing only a design patent for a product with novel functionality — design patents do not prevent competitors from copying the function, only the specific visual appearance.",{"name":299,"plain_english":300,"sample_language":301,"common_mistake":302},"Should I file a provisional or non-provisional application?","Explains that a provisional application secures a priority date for 12 months at lower cost but must be followed by a non-provisional within that window or the priority date is lost.","File a provisional application if you need [12] months to refine the invention or secure funding. File a non-provisional when ready for full examination. Deadline: [DATE — 12 months from provisional filing date].","Filing a thin provisional application with minimal description to save time — the non-provisional can only claim priority for subject matter fully disclosed in the provisional.",{"name":304,"plain_english":305,"sample_language":306,"common_mistake":307},"What does the patent application process look like?","Outlines the key milestones: prior art search, application drafting, USPTO filing, examination, office action response, and grant or abandonment — with approximate timeframes for each.","Step 1: Prior art search ([2–4] weeks). Step 2: Application drafting ([4–8] weeks). Step 3: USPTO filing. Step 4: First office action ([12–18] months). Step 5: Response and grant ([18–36] months total).","Underestimating prosecution time — inventors who expect a grant within 6 months are often unprepared for the 2–3 year average timeline and may make premature business commitments.",{"name":309,"plain_english":310,"sample_language":311,"common_mistake":312},"How much does a patent cost?","Provides ballpark cost ranges for USPTO filing fees, attorney fees for drafting and prosecution, and maintenance fees over the patent's life — broken out by patent type.","Provisional filing: $[320] USPTO fee + $[1,500–$3,000] attorney fees. Non-provisional utility: $[800–$1,600] USPTO fees + $[8,000–$15,000] attorney fees. Maintenance fees: $[800–$7,700] over 20 years.","Budgeting only for filing fees and ignoring prosecution and maintenance costs — the total cost of a US utility patent through grant and 20-year maintenance typically runs $15,000–$30,000.",{"name":314,"plain_english":315,"sample_language":316,"common_mistake":317},"What should I do — and not do — before filing?","Lists pre-filing actions that protect patentability: conducting a prior art search, keeping the invention confidential, documenting conception dates, and avoiding public disclosure before filing.","Do: Document invention date with signed lab notebooks or dated digital records. Do not: Publish, present, post online, or sell the invention before filing — a US grace period of [12] months applies, but most foreign jurisdictions have no grace period.","Publishing a research paper or demonstrating at a trade show before filing a provisional — while the US 12-month grace period may preserve domestic rights, it permanently bars patent protection in most foreign markets.",{"name":319,"plain_english":320,"sample_language":321,"common_mistake":322},"Can I enforce my patent and what does infringement mean?","Explains that patent enforcement is the owner's responsibility, describes how infringement is determined (comparing accused product to the patent claims), and notes that enforcement requires civil litigation.","Infringement occurs when a third party makes, uses, sells, or imports a product covered by [PATENT NUMBER]'s claims without authorization. Enforcement is initiated by the patent owner through federal civil litigation or an ITC complaint.","Assuming the USPTO enforces patents on the owner's behalf — the government only grants the patent; all enforcement is the owner's financial and legal responsibility.",{"name":324,"plain_english":325,"sample_language":326,"common_mistake":327},"Do I need to maintain my patent after it is granted?","Outlines US utility patent maintenance fee schedule (due at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years post-grant) and explains that failure to pay results in expiration of the patent before the 20-year term ends.","Maintenance fees are due: 3.5 years post-grant ($[900–$1,800]), 7.5 years ($[2,300–$4,600]), and 11.5 years ($[3,800–$7,700]). Fees not paid within the 6-month grace period result in [PATENT NUMBER] lapsing.","Missing the 11.5-year maintenance fee — by this stage the patent is often forgotten in filing systems, but lapsing a commercially active patent creates an immediate freedom-to-operate gap for competitors.",[329,334,339,344,349,354],{"step":330,"title":331,"description":332,"tip":333},1,"Add your company name and branding","Replace the placeholder company name and logo in the header with your organization's details so the checklist is recognizable as an internal or client-facing document.","Save a branded master copy so every inventor who receives it sees a professional, consistent document — not a generic template.",{"step":335,"title":336,"description":337,"tip":338},2,"Review and customize the FAQ answers for your jurisdiction","The default answers reflect US patent law. If your inventors operate in the EU, Canada, or other jurisdictions, update fee figures, timelines, and grace-period rules to match local practice.","Tag jurisdiction-specific items with a visible label (e.g., '[US only]') so international inventors know which answers to verify with local counsel.",{"step":340,"title":341,"description":342,"tip":343},3,"Update cost and timeline figures to current rates","USPTO filing fees and attorney rates change periodically. Verify current official fees at the USPTO fee schedule page before distributing and update the cost FAQ item accordingly.","Add the date the figures were last verified at the bottom of the checklist — this prevents stale numbers from misleading inventors.",{"step":345,"title":346,"description":347,"tip":348},4,"Add your internal disclosure and escalation contacts","Insert the name, email, and role of your IP coordinator or patent counsel in the checklist footer or a dedicated 'next steps' section so inventors know exactly who to contact.","A named contact reduces the most common delay: inventors who are ready to disclose but don't know where to send the information.",{"step":350,"title":351,"description":352,"tip":353},5,"Distribute before — not after — public disclosure events","Send the checklist to engineers, researchers, and product managers at least 30 days before any external conference, product launch, or publication submission deadline.","Tie distribution to your product-launch approval workflow so no product ships without inventors reviewing the pre-filing dos and don'ts section.",{"step":355,"title":356,"description":357,"tip":358},6,"Archive a signed acknowledgment from each recipient","Add a one-line acknowledgment at the bottom — 'I have read and understood this checklist' — and ask recipients to return a signed copy. Keep signed copies in your IP records.","A signed acknowledgment creates a record that inventors were informed of their disclosure obligations, which matters if an undisclosed invention becomes a dispute later.",[360,364,368,372],{"mistake":361,"why_it_matters":362,"fix":363},"Distributing the checklist after a public disclosure","Once an invention is publicly disclosed, most foreign patent rights are permanently lost. The US 12-month grace period does not help in the EU, Japan, China, or most other markets.","Integrate the checklist into your product development and publication approval workflows so inventors review it before any external event.",{"mistake":365,"why_it_matters":366,"fix":367},"Leaving placeholder cost figures unchanged","Outdated fee estimates cause inventors to dismiss patent protection as too expensive or, conversely, to budget too little and get surprised by prosecution costs.","Update the cost FAQ item against current USPTO fee schedules and get a written fee estimate from your patent counsel before distributing.",{"mistake":369,"why_it_matters":370,"fix":371},"Using the checklist as a substitute for legal advice","Inventors who treat the FAQ answers as definitive legal guidance may skip attorney consultation on borderline patentability questions, leading to wasted filing fees or missed protection.","Add a visible disclaimer that the checklist is an educational orientation tool and that specific inventions require review by a registered patent attorney or agent.",{"mistake":373,"why_it_matters":374,"fix":375},"Omitting jurisdiction-specific guidance for international teams","An inventor in Germany who reads US grace-period rules and assumes they apply locally may publicly disclose an invention that can never be patented in Europe.","Flag every jurisdiction-specific item clearly and provide a separate one-page addendum for your most common non-US locations.",[377,380,383,386,389,392,395,398],{"question":378,"answer":379},"What is a checklist FAQ about patents?","A checklist FAQ about patents is a structured document that compiles the most common patent questions — covering eligibility, application types, costs, timelines, and enforcement — into a checklist format that inventors and business stakeholders can work through systematically. It serves as a plain-English orientation resource before engaging a patent attorney, helping inventors arrive at consultations better prepared and with fewer basic questions to resolve at billable rates.\n",{"question":381,"answer":382},"Who should receive this checklist?","Any employee, researcher, or contractor who may create patentable inventions in the course of their work should receive this checklist as part of their IP onboarding. R&D teams, product managers, and engineers are the primary audience. It is also useful for founders considering whether to file before a product launch or funding round.\n",{"question":384,"answer":385},"Does completing this checklist mean my invention is patentable?","No. The checklist provides a general framework for evaluating patentability criteria — novelty, non-obviousness, and utility — but determining whether a specific invention qualifies for patent protection requires a prior art search and review by a registered patent attorney or patent agent. Use the checklist to prepare for that conversation, not to replace it.\n",{"question":387,"answer":388},"What is the difference between a provisional and a non-provisional patent application?","A provisional application is an informal USPTO filing that establishes a priority date for 12 months at a lower cost, but it is never examined and does not mature into a patent on its own. A non-provisional application is the formal filing that enters examination and, if approved, becomes an issued patent. Inventors must file a non-provisional within 12 months of the provisional or lose the priority date entirely.\n",{"question":390,"answer":391},"How long does it take to get a US patent?","The average time from non-provisional filing to first office action is 12–18 months. Total time from filing to grant typically runs 2–3 years for utility patents, though USPTO Track One prioritized examination can reduce this to 6–12 months for an additional fee. Design patents generally grant faster, averaging 18–24 months.\n",{"question":393,"answer":394},"Can I lose my patent rights by talking about my invention publicly?","In the US, you have a 12-month grace period after a public disclosure to file a patent application without losing domestic rights. However, most other countries — including all EU member states, China, Japan, and Canada — require absolute novelty, meaning any public disclosure before filing permanently eliminates patent protection in those markets. File before disclosing whenever international protection is a priority.\n",{"question":396,"answer":397},"Is a patent the only way to protect an invention?","No. Trade secrets protect confidential technical information indefinitely as long as secrecy is maintained — useful for processes that cannot be reverse-engineered. Copyrights protect original expression such as software code. Design patents protect ornamental appearance. The right strategy depends on whether the invention can be kept secret, how long protection is needed, and in which markets the invention will be commercialized.\n",{"question":399,"answer":400},"How much does it cost to get a US utility patent?","A full US utility patent typically costs $15,000–$30,000 from initial filing through grant, including attorney fees for drafting, prosecution, and responding to office actions. USPTO filing fees alone range from $800 to $1,600 depending on entity size. Maintenance fees of roughly $900–$7,700 at three intervals keep the patent in force for the full 20-year term, adding $5,000–$15,000 over the patent's life.\n",[402,406,410,414],{"industry":403,"icon_asset_id":404,"specifics":405},"Technology / SaaS","industry-saas","Engineers and product teams need clear guidance on when software features, algorithms, and system architectures cross the threshold into patentable subject matter under Alice/Mayo doctrine.",{"industry":407,"icon_asset_id":408,"specifics":409},"Manufacturing","industry-manufacturing","Process improvements and novel machine designs are frequently patentable, but manufacturing teams often lack awareness of disclosure obligations before shipping new product lines.",{"industry":411,"icon_asset_id":412,"specifics":413},"Healthcare / MedTech","industry-healthtech","Medical device and pharmaceutical inventors must understand both utility and design patent options, plus the interaction of patent term with FDA approval timelines and patent term extension eligibility.",{"industry":415,"icon_asset_id":416,"specifics":417},"Professional Services","industry-professional-services","Consulting and engineering firms that develop proprietary methodologies or software tools for clients need this checklist to clarify IP ownership before project agreements are signed.",[419,422,424,427],{"vs":229,"vs_template_id":420,"summary":421},"D{INVENTION_DISCLOSURE_ID}","An invention disclosure form captures the technical details of a specific invention — conception date, inventors, drawings, and prior art knowledge — for attorney review. The patent FAQ checklist is an educational orientation document that prepares inventors to complete a disclosure form accurately. Use the checklist first, then the disclosure form for each specific invention.",{"vs":241,"vs_template_id":242,"summary":423},"An NDA protects confidential information shared with third parties before a patent is filed — it does not replace filing. The patent FAQ checklist explains when an NDA is an appropriate pre-filing safeguard versus when a provisional application is the better protection. Both are often used together in early-stage discussions with potential partners or investors.",{"vs":237,"vs_template_id":425,"summary":426},"D{PATENT_ASSIGNMENT_ID}","A patent assignment agreement legally transfers ownership of an issued patent or patent application from an inventor to a company. The FAQ checklist helps inventors understand why assignment is typically required as a condition of employment or contract before they are asked to sign an assignment. The checklist is educational; the assignment is the binding legal instrument.",{"vs":428,"vs_template_id":429,"summary":430},"IP Policy / Employee Handbook Section","employee-handbook-D712","An employee handbook IP policy sets out the company's ownership rules for inventions created by employees. The patent FAQ checklist is a standalone, plain-English educational supplement that explains the patent process itself — it complements the policy but does not replace it. Distribute both together during onboarding for maximum effectiveness.",{"use_template":432,"template_plus_review":436,"custom_drafted":440},{"best_for":433,"cost":434,"time":435},"Companies distributing a patent orientation resource to inventors, engineers, or non-legal staff","Free","30 minutes to customize and distribute",{"best_for":437,"cost":438,"time":439},"Organizations adding jurisdiction-specific guidance or integrating the checklist into a formal IP program","$300–$800 for a patent attorney review and localization","2–5 business days",{"best_for":441,"cost":442,"time":443},"Large R&D organizations requiring a tailored IP education program with jurisdiction-specific modules and legal sign-off","$1,500–$5,000+","2–4 weeks",[242,429,250,445,446,447,448,449,450,451,452,453],"independent-contractor-agreement-D160","intellectual-property-assignment-D5229","confidentiality-agreement-D950","technology-licensing-agreement-D13434","joint-venture-agreement-D889","research-agreement-D13235","new-product-development-plan-D14014","trade-secret-protection-policy-D13791","cease-and-desist-letter-D12916",{"emit_how_to":455,"emit_defined_term":455},true,{"primary_folder":96,"secondary_folder":457,"document_type":458,"industry":459,"business_stage":460,"tags":461,"confidence":465},"intellectual-property-and-licensing","checklist","general","all-stages",[462,458,463,464],"intellectual-property","patent-faq","reference-guide",0.92,"\u003Ch2>What is a Checklist FAQ About Patents?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>A \u003Cstrong>Checklist FAQ About Patents\u003C/strong> is a structured reference document that organizes the most common patent questions — covering what a patent protects, how to determine patentability, application types, filing timelines, cost estimates, and enforcement basics — into a scannable checklist format with concise, plain-English answers. It is designed to educate inventors, engineers, and business stakeholders on the patent process before they engage a patent attorney, ensuring they understand their disclosure obligations, pre-filing restrictions, and realistic expectations for cost and timeline. The document is not legal advice — it is an orientation tool that bridges the gap between having an invention and knowing what to do with it.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Why You Need This Document\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Without a structured patent FAQ, inventors on your team routinely make costly mistakes before a single application is filed: they present at a conference before filing a provisional, post details on LinkedIn, or ship a product containing an unprotected process — permanently eliminating foreign patent rights in every absolute-novelty jurisdiction. The FAQ checklist closes that gap by putting the right information in front of inventors before public disclosure events occur. It also reduces the billable time inventors consume in initial attorney consultations answering basic process questions, letting those meetings focus on the substance of the invention itself. This template gives you a professionally formatted, immediately distributable resource you can brand, customize for your jurisdiction, and integrate into your product-launch or IP onboarding workflow in under an hour.\u003C/p>\n",1779809002069]