Patent Law: The Basics
When you need a patent lawyer Chicago IL residents trust, call the legal team at the Law Offices of Konrad Sherinian, LLC. Though the patent process may be cumbersome, our attorneys may be able to help simplify the process and provide insight into the steps and requirements associated with patent applications.With years of legal expertise behind us, our attorneys are dedicated to helping inventors receive patents. Although inventors are allowed to apply for patents without an attorney, it may save time, money, and stress in the long run by working with a patent lawyer Chicago IL entrepreneurs depend on from Law Offices of Konrad Sherinian, LLC.
General Requirements for Patent Eligibility
Although a patent lawyer Chicago IL inventors depend on can explain more in detail, it may be beneficial to understand the basics of patent law before deciding to begin the process. Not all inventions are eligible to be patented. Congress has defined what is patentable and what is not. In order for an invention to be patentable, it should meet the following requirements:
1. The invention must remain private prior to filing the patent application. This means you may not disclose your invention to the public before the application has been submitted.
2. invention must be “useful” or provide utility. This is usually a relatively easy requirement to meet. It simply requires that the invention is capable of being used and provides some sort of benefit. For inventors claiming they have developed a “free energy” or perpetual motion device, their invention does not meet this requirement since these devices do not provide any benefit or use; as they are scientifically impossible. In fact, the United States Patent and Trademark Office will not even entertain an application for a perpetual motion machine.
3. The invention must be “novel.” In other words, the invention must not have been disclosed or available for public use prior to the application. The invention must be original in order to be eligible for protection. A patent lawyer in Chicago IL from Law Offices of Konrad Sherinian, LLC is knowledgeable and efficient when it comes to researching existing patents. This step is critical in establishing whether or not your invention may be protected.
4. The invention must be “non-obvious.” For an invention to be patentable, it cannot be common knowledge for a “person having ordinary skill in the art.” This requirement is relatively subjective when compared to other requirements and the patent office will have to decide whether or not the invention meets this requirement. In order to decide, the the patent office may examine similar products or processes already in existence within the field and compare them to your product. In general, the patent office will examine as much objectionable evidence as possible before making a ruling.
Let a Patent Lawyer Chicago IL Clients Rely on Help You
Our firm’s experience in the patent field may prove beneficial when estimating how likely the patent is to be awarded at the beginning of the process. Although the decision to issue the patent is up to the patent office, each Chicago IL patent lawyer from our firm may be able to provide you with valuable assistance and experience you may not possess on your own. The team at Law Offices of Konrad Sherinian, LLC would be happy to help guide you through your patent application. Call a patent lawyer Chicago IL provides at (630) 318-2606 and schedule a consultation.