A patent is the core legal protection for inventors and their inventions. The purpose of this protection is to provide an inventor with the necessary time and space to make, use and sell his or her invention without the threat of competition. In essence, it is the right to exclude others, for a specified time period, from simultaneously building, using or selling that particular invention in the marketplace.

Reference:

• Book: The Inventor’s Guide to Patents, Chapter 1 for more details. (click to grab a free copy)
• Blog: What is a Patent? How Can it Help Me? (The Ultimate 2019 Guide!)
• Video: What is a Patent? Everything you need to know.

A patent gives the inventor the right to stop others from making, using, selling or importing the patented goods or services without permission of the patent holder; allowing you to retain exclusive commercial rights, which is a big deal for when you look to monetize your invention. Additionally, there is the altruistic reasoning for patents, and that is as a contribution to the world at large, participating in the advance of technology as a whole.

Reference:

• Book: The Inventor’s Guide to Patents, Chapter 2 for more details. (click to grab a free copy)
• Blog: Top 3 Advantages of Patents (Wait! 20-years of protection?)
• Video: Should you get a patent? Top 3 advantages and disadvantages.

For a client that wants to know what patents or publications (known as prior art) are already out in the public. This helps answer the basic question of novelty: “Is my invention or improvement really new?”

A patentability search is a vital part of any IP strategy. Patent searches can help you refine your invention, complete a successful patent application, and fully protect your intellectual property. And, a professional and comprehensive patent search can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and delays. Learn more about patent searches below.

Reference:

• Bold Ideas: The Inventor’s Guide to Patents, Chapter 8 for more details. (click to grab free copy)
• Blog: How to do a Patent Search in 6 Steps (The Definite Guide)
• Blog: Advanced Guide to Google Patent Search (w/ Patent Attorney Secret Tips)
• Video: How to do a patent search. In-Depth Patent Search Tutorial (Free resources included)

A Provisional Patent Application serves to establish a foothold, it is a less formal cursory patent, that once accepted by the USPTO gives you one year to test, build and refine the description and claims of your Non-Provisional application.

A Non-Provisional Patent Application requires a much more in-depth and clearly defined summary of your invention, including technical drawings, Full Claims, description and more.

Reference:

• Book: The Inventor’s Guide to Patents, Chapter 14 for more details. (click to grab free copy)
• Blog: Difference Between a Non-Provisional & Provisional Patent Application
• Video: Provisional vs. Non-Provisional (The Differences You Need to Know)

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2. Not for your “Baby”: There may be a time for using bargain legal services, but protecting your intellectual property is not one of them. A subpar/unskilled drafted patent application likely claims less protection than a properly drafted patent from a patent attorney
3. Patent Attorneys, not merely Agents: Many low-budget patent operations are comprised of Patent Agents (those technical writers that do not have law degrees). Without law degrees, an understanding of recent case law and how patents should be crafted to broaden scopes and avoid rejection/issues down the road is invaluable.

1. We are specially trained professionals who focus on securing intellectual property protection for our clients and supporting their business needs.
2. We know the law – recent cases, decisions, and latest updates on how examiners will review claims
3. We know the lingo of the examiners at the Patent and Trademark Office.
   We know legal nuances and rule exceptions that can get a difficult/complicated/ patent application approved and issued.