Patent Attorneys Make A Difference
Technically you can file a patent on your own but this is not recommended unless you have experience in doing so or are a patent lawyer yourself. Even the United States Patent & Trademark Office strongly recommends that all prospective applicants retain the services of a registered patent attorney or patent agent to prepare and prosecute their applications. Furthermore, patent law is a very focused area of the legal system. For this reason, you should avoid hiring a general practice lawyer to file a patent.
Applying For A Patent
Unlike a copyright, a patent does not get created automatically. An inventor must apply for a patent, specifically within one year of publicly disclosing the invention. In certain cases, a patent attorney generally commissions a preliminary patent search on behalf of the inventor. This is done before applying for the actual patent to determine if it is feasible to proceed with the application and to identify any prior art that the application needs to account for.
To get an actual patent, technical information about the invention must be disclosed to the public in a patent application. This again is best done with or through a patent attorney, who will know all the requirements specific to the type of patent you are applying for.
Once all the materials are prepared, they are submitted with the application and an application fee to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Once there, it is reviewed by a patent examiner.
Once the application is assigned to a particular examiner, all communications must be properly directed to that examiner.
If a patent is granted, the inventor must pay another fee, and the government publishes a description of the invention and its use.
How Long Does A Patent Last?
- Utility and plant patents last for 20 years from the application date.
- Design patents last for fifteen years.
- If the owner of a utility patent does not pay maintenance fees, the patent will expire earlier.
Patent 101
Watch Our Video
Here’s a short video describing an overview on patents. It covers a lot of the basics, including the three main types of patents:
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- Utility Patents
- Design Patents
- Plant Patents
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Whether you are at the initial starting stage, or trying to protect and enforce what you’ve already have, we can help patent and protect your idea or invention. Reach out to us today. We will quickly set up a time to discuss your intellectual property with an experienced patent attorney.
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Patent FAQs
Here’s a list of the most frequently asked questions about patents. Open each to see our pages dedicated to that topic.
Who, What, Why, When, Where & How
Types of Patents
Costs, Fees & Prices
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Patent Applications
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Patent Enforcement
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Licensing a Patent
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What makes The Law Offices of Konrad Sherinian, LLC the best choice for a Naperville patent lawyer?
Our firm stands out for its experienced attorneys with technical expertise, comprehensive patent services, personalized attention, and a track record of successful results. We are committed to protecting your inventions and providing innovative solutions tailored to your needs.
What types of patents can your attorneys handle?
Our attorneys have successfully handled a wide range of patent applications, including mechanical, software, business method, electrical, electronic, and design patents. We stay updated on the latest developments in patent law to provide effective strategies for various patent types.
How can your firm help with international patent protection?
Our attorneys are admitted to practice before the United States Patent & Trademark Office and have extensive experience in procuring patent protection worldwide. We have established a strong network of counsel globally to assist you in obtaining comprehensive patent rights internationally.
Can you assist in licensing my patents?
Absolutely. Our experienced patent attorneys can help you license your patents to companies in relevant industries. We conduct thorough market research, identify potential licensees, and assist in developing persuasive pitches to maximize the value of your inventions.
How can I benefit from strategic patent portfolio management?
Strategic patent portfolio management is crucial for achieving your business goals. Whether you need to create a defensive or offensive patent portfolio, our experienced attorneys will develop a tailored strategy to protect your interests and secure your competitive advantage.
What if a dispute arises regarding my patent rights?
In the event of a dispute, our firm has a proven track record in patent litigation. Our attorneys are experienced in representing clients in district courts nationwide, providing effective representation within a reasonable budget. We explore insurance coverage options whenever possible.
How do you ensure personalized attention and tailored solutions from a right patent attorney?
At The Law Offices of Konrad Sherinian, LLC, we believe in building strong relationships with our clients. We take the time to understand your patent-related challenges and provide personalized attention and tailored solutions that address your specific needs. We collaborate closely with you to ensure your success.
Experienced Patent Attorneys
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Konrad Sherinian have extensive experience in patent matters. We’ve helped clients obtain numerous patents, including more difficult categories such as software, electronics, and the mechanical arts. We have obtained numerous patents in the United States and throughout the world. In addition, we have litigated patent cases on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants in District Courts throughout the United States.
