Practice Areas

Patent Prosecution

Bay Area Patent Prosecution Attorney

Innovation deserves strong protection. Whether you’re developing advanced biotech tools, engineering a new device, or building a brand from scratch, securing your intellectual property is essential. At U.S. Pacific Patents, PC / The Law Office of Andy Yang, we help inventors, startups, and growing companies navigate the patent and trademark process with clarity, strategy, and speed.

From Track One prioritized filings to design and utility patent applications, Office Action responses, micro-entity/small-entity savings, PCT international filings, and national-stage entries, we provide comprehensive, end-to-end IP protection. Our clients benefit from bilingual service in English and Chinese, and representation throughout California and nationwide.

Comprehensive Patent Prosecution Services

Utility Patent Applications

A strong utility application lays the foundation for a valuable patent. We assist with:

  • Patentability review and invention disclosure guidance
  • Claim drafting for broad, enforceable protection
  • Filing as micro-entity or small entity to reduce USPTO fees
  • Standard U.S. filings, Track One, or PCT filings
  • Responding to USPTO requests, restrictions, and rejections
  • Managing continuation, divisional, and continuation-in-part (CIP) strategy

We prioritize clarity, strategic claim structure, and long-term portfolio potential.

Track One Prioritized Examination

For inventors who need a patent fast, we prepare and file:

  • Track One petitions
  • Reduced-claim filings to ensure eligibility
  • Proper fee calculations for micro/small entity applicants
    Track One often results in first action within 2–3 months and final resolution in under a year.

Design Patent Filings

We protect the visual appearance of:

  • Consumer products
  • Medical and wellness devices
  • Packaging
  • UI/UX elements
  • Wearables and accessories

Design patents are fast, affordable, and powerful—especially for competitive product markets.

International Patent Filings — PCT & National Stage

For inventors targeting global markets, we guide you through the WIPO Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) process.

WIPO PCT Applications

We assist with:

  • Preparing and filing PCT applications
  • Choosing the appropriate receiving office (USPTO or WIPO)
  • Claiming priority from earlier U.S. filings
  • Coordinating international search and written opinions
    A PCT filing gives you up to 30–31 months before national-stage deadlines.

Entering the National Stage

We handle national-stage entries in jurisdictions including:

  • United States (371)
  • China (CNIPA)
  • Europe (EPO)
  • Japan (JPO)
  • Canada
  • Korea
  • Australia

We manage translations, formal drawings, fees, and entity-status determinations to ensure smooth entry and prosecution.

Office Action Responses

When the USPTO issues a rejection, our firm responds with comprehensive, strategic arguments.

Obviousness (§103)

We challenge improper combinations, lack of motivation to combine, missing claim elements, hindsight analysis, and more. Secondary considerations (commercial success, unmet need, industry praise) are used when available.

Anticipation (§102)

We distinguish cited references, clarify claim scope, and demonstrate missing elements.

Double Patenting

We respond to both statutory and non-statutory double patenting through:

  • Argument-based distinctions
  • Claim restructuring
  • Terminal disclaimers when appropriate

Written Description / Enablement (§112)

We fix clarity issues, amend claims, and strengthen support in the specification.

Subject Matter Eligibility (§101)

We apply the two-step Alice/Mayo analysis and cite USPTO guidance to overcome abstract idea and natural phenomenon rejections.

Small Entity & Micro Entity Status – Cost Savings

Many of our clients qualify for reduced USPTO fees. We evaluate and secure:

  • Small entity status (50% fee reduction)
  • Micro-entity status (75% fee reduction) under gross-income or institution criteria.

We ensure compliance and take advantage of all eligible discounts on filing, examination, extension, and issue fees—reducing the cost of patent protection.

Trademark Prosecution & Brand Protection

Your brand deserves the same attention as your invention. We provide full-service trademark support, including:

USPTO Trademark Applications

  • Clearance searches
  • TEAS Plus / Standard filings
  • Use-in-commerce and intent-to-use strategy
  • Specimen creation

Response to Office Actions

We regularly overcome refusals involving:

Merely Descriptive (§2(e)(1))

We use:

  • Double-meaning arguments
  • Unitary mark analysis
  • Acquired distinctiveness claims
  • Incongruity / unique commercial impression

Strategic disclaimers

Likelihood of Confusion (§2(d))

We analyze DuPont factors, distinguishing goods/services, trade channels, and consumer perception.

Surname, geographic, and ID-clarification refusals

Handled quickly with precise, compliant amendments.

Why Innovators Choose Our Firm

Inventors and businesses trust us because we offer:

  • Deep technical and legal experience across biotech, medical devices, software, mechanical systems, and consumer products
  • Fast turnaround for drafts and responses
  • Strategic, commercially focused guidance
  • Extensive Track One experience with successful fast allowances
  • Strong record of overcoming 102/103/101 rejections and descriptiveness refusals
  • Bilingual service for U.S.–China business and cross-border filings
  • Startup-friendly pricing and flexible portfolio planning

Protect Your Innovation Today

Whether you’re filing your first patent, expanding your IP portfolio, or challenging a complex Office Action, we’re here to help you secure the strongest possible protection.

Contact U.S. Pacific Patents, PC / The Law Office of Andy Yang for a consultation.
 Turn your ideas into protected, valuable assets that support long-term growth.

FREE CASE ASSESSMENT

To contact us, please take the time to fill out the information below or contact us immediately at +1 408-475-6140

free case assessment