Intellectual Property Law

Chapter 24 Case Study Answers

Case Study: Fit Forever has purchased several utility patents from one of its competitors.
Activities: What actions should Fit Forever take to ensure it will be able to maintain the
patents?

Fit Forever should file appropriate documents with the USPTO to record the
assignments/transfers so that it will be recognized as the owner of the
patents. Thus, in proceedings affecting the patents, the USPTO will know
how to contact the patent owner. Moreover, when it is time to maintain the
utility patents (at 3½, 7½, and 11½ years), the chain of title of ownership of
the patents will be clear, and the USPTO will accept the maintenance fees.
Fit Forever should also update its own docketing system to docket the due
dates for maintenance fees for these utility patents.