When you come up with an invention, you’ll want to protect your idea. Patents are the way to do this, though the laws surrounding them are incredibly technical.
You can save time and a lot of headaches by working with a patent attorney.
How A Patent Attorney Can Help You
You’ve likely spent a lot of time creating your product or idea. As such, you should ensure you do everything the right way to secure your patent. Here’s why you need a patent attorney.
Understanding Of U.S. Patent Law
Under U.S. patent law, there are a number of detailed rules and guidelines. A patent attorney understands all of these intricacies inside and out.
A patent examiner could deny patent protection to an invention even if it is new.
However, an attorney who specializes in this field will know exactly how to identify the best legal ground for rebuttal of a patent examiner’s denial.
Following The Patent Rules
Prior to even having a patent examiner look over your invention, you’ll have to prepare a patent application and file it.
This application needs to disclose your invention in proper detail and have all the parts of the form from the Patent Office plus supporting documents. You will also need to pay the appropriate fees.
These things can get confusing, and many inventors often pay the wrong fee by mistake.
Missing a requirement of these forms can result in the office discarding your application even before it gets to a patent examiner.
With a patent attorney, you will not miss any of the important forms, payments, and steps you must take to patent your invention.
Preparing Your Patent Application
When you are ready to file your patent application, having a patent attorney can save you time and stress.
Your lawyer will know which elements of your invention will be more likely to lead to successful claims.
This allows them to help you structure the application to highlight those features while still aiming for the broadest protection available.
One big mistake inventors make when filing a patent application is simply listing the components of the invention.
A patent attorney will help you describe your invention in greater detail in a way that supports your claims.
Finding Your Best Patent Protection
Utility patents are without a doubt the most common type of patent. It protects the functional aspects of any invention.
The U.S. grants three different types of patents — the utility patent, design patent, and plant patent.
If you want your invention to be patented in the international arena, too, you’d be wise to hire a patent attorney to ensure your invention is properly protected by the right patent.
Patent Litigation Background
While patent attorneys have experience getting patents for their clients, this isn’t the only thing they do.
They also get involved in litigation should someone infringe on your issued patent.
By having a patent attorney on standby, you will have one less thing to worry about if someone tries to steal your patented idea.
Obtaining Legal Advice
Being a successful inventor goes beyond getting your patent. It’s certainly worth celebrating this win, but you will need help negotiating and drafting licenses, assigning agreements to capitalize on the value of your patent, and getting general advice on how to enforce your patent rights should they be infringed.
Additionally, patents may not be the only valuable intellectual property you or your business has, and a patent attorney can help you identify those factors.
Trade secrets, copyrights, and trademarks may provide additional protection to your patents, something you can discuss with your attorney.
Save Your Time
You may already be working on another invention or focusing on your business. Regardless, time is a commodity.
The time it takes to become an expert in patents would take you away from your own area of expertise.
A patent attorney can save you time by handling the legal side of things. They will certainly need your input and expertise during the patent process, but it allows you to free up your time to do the things you do.
This means you don’t have to spend time studying patent law, or worse, starting all over with an application because you missed a crucial component.
It’s best for you to enjoy the success of your invention and keep working on new ways to innovate in your industry.
You should speak to a Fort Lauderdale patent attorney to find out more about how to patent your invention and get the guidance you need.