Can a foreign company file a U.S. patent? What changed in 2026
Foreign companies can still file U.S. patents, but new USPTO representation rules took effect July 20, 2026. Learn what changed and what to do now.
Practical explainers on USPTO timelines, provisional and non-provisional applications, patent pending status, claims, drawings, and filing requirements.

Foreign companies can still file U.S. patents, but new USPTO representation rules took effect July 20, 2026. Learn what changed and what to do now.

Foreign patent applicants now need USPTO-registered representation. Learn when a patent agent is enough and when you may need an attorney.

See what foreign companies can expect to pay for U.S. provisional and non-provisional patents, including practitioner and USPTO fees.

Foreign companies can file U.S. provisional patent applications. Learn how the process works, what changed in 2026, and what to do before filing.

You can use a different patent attorney or patent agent for your non-provisional application. Learn what happens to your filing date, what a new provider should review, and when to make the switch.
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Micro-entity status cuts USPTO fees by 80%. Here's who qualifies, how to claim it, and what to watch out for.
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USPTO Track One and other acceleration options can dramatically cut examination time. Here's how each works and when to use them.
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Patent claims define the legal scope of your protection. Here's what founders need to understand before filing.

Patent drawings are one of the most misunderstood parts of the application process. Here are the most common questions, answered.

The patent abstract is short but consequential. Here's what to include, what to avoid, and how to write one that holds up under examination.

Provisional applications are one of the most useful — and most misunderstood — tools in the patent process. Here's what founders and inventors ask most.
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From weak claims to missed deadlines, these are the filing errors that cost inventors their IP — and how to avoid them.

USPTO examination timelines vary widely by technology and entity size. Here's what to realistically expect.