Patent Defined

A patent is a form of intellectual property protection used to protect an invention: a product, or process, that provides a new way of doing something. Patents give inventors an exclusive right for their creation for 20 years from the filing of the patent. The issuance of patents goes through the United States Patent and Trademark Office and requires the public disclosure of information within the application. Patents cannot be obtained for an idea and must have favorable subject matter.

Protecting a Patent 

There are many benefits to having patent protection since it prevents others from copying or using the process and preventing them from making or selling it. While patents are only valid for 20 years from the filing date, the beginning stages of an invention can be the most important.

Types of Patents

There are three different kinds of patents: utility, design, and plant. Utility patents are for anyone who invents a new process, a machine, or an improvement, while design patents are for anyone who creates a new design for a manufacturing process. Plant patents are for anyone who invents or discovers a unique variety of plant.

Patent Registration Process 

There are multiple steps to obtaining a patent. The first step is to search existing patents to see if the invention has already gone public. Next, applicants must decide which of the three patent types are needed. The final step is to submit an application and work with an examiner. This process can be a complex and confusing strategy, so it is best to hire an experienced patent attorney with experience in the application process.

Our Experience

Our patent attorneys have practiced patent law for over 20 years. Our team is highly skilled in drafting patent applications that comply with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Our attorneys have experience working with patent examiners and carry out the patent process in a way that makes it stress-free for our clients.

Practicing Attorneys