PATENTS
Definition
WHAT IS A PATENT?
A patent is a property right granted by the United States which “excludes” others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling an original product, product improvement, design, machine, chemical composition, or process for a period of time, usually 20 years for a utility patent and 15 years for a design patent.
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HOW IS A PATENT DIFFERENT FROM A TRADEMARK OR COPYRIGHT?
Trademarks and Servicemarks distinguish products and services from the competition. It protects words, names, symbols, sounds, or colors that distinguish goods and services from those manufactured or sold by others and to indicate the source of goods and services. Trademarks, unlike patents, can be renewed forever as long as they are being used in commerce.
Copyrights protect works of authorship, such as writings, music, and works of art that have been tangibly expressed. The Library of Congress registers copyrights that last for the life of the author plus 70 years.
Advantages
WHY IS A PATENT NECESSARY?
When you invent a new product or process, whether you are a manufacturer or individual, obtaining and preserving valid and enforceable top-quality patent rights is crucial. Patent Protection offers the rewards of valuable property ownership rights, tremendous marketing advantages, increased commercial opportunity, profitable licensing potential, and financial returns on investment. Without patent protection you stand a very good chance of losing your investment, time, marketing money and ownership. Your loss could be your competitors’ gain.
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How To Start
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO GET A PATENT?
You have created something new. And you want to protect your creative idea so you can prevent others from making, using, and selling your invention, and to allow you to market that invention successfully. Now what do you do? You should seek out trusted, experienced counsel to advise you on the advantages and limitations of patents, and guide you through the patent process. This assistance includes conducting novelty searches and providing you with honest opinions on the patentability of your invention, drafting and prosecuting applications, and insuring that your intellectual property is maintained and protected. This is what we offer our clients.
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Patent Process
WHAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER WE START?
We guide you through the complete Patent Process …
- Determine what constitutes patentable subject matter.
- Perform an in-depth patent search.
- Draft the application and obtain drawings within the strict guidelines of U.S. Patent and Trademark Office directives.
- Formally file the patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
- Advocate the merits of the invention through to the issuance of the application.
- Assure utmost confidentiality and integrity throughout the process.
HOW CAN YOU SAFEGUARD YOUR PATENT AFTER IT’S GRANTED?
One of our specialties is in patent application prosecution and related patent and products liability litigation. In order to fully safeguard your rights after your patent is granted, when faced with potential patent infringement, we also evaluate the conflict, ensuring that necessary steps are taken either to protect the patent owner’s rights and interests or defend against allegations of infringement.
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