Law Office of Michael Meyer
Patent Attorney
Protect your intellectual property, our services are geared towards helping inventors, entrepreneurs, and creatives minds alike.
- IP Protection
- Highly experienced
- Timely Communication
Patent Types
There are several patent types:
Utility Patents protect the functional aspects of an invention, including processes, machines, manufactures, or compositions of matter.
Design Patents protect the unique ornamental appearance or aesthetic design of a product.
Plant Patents are granted to anyone who invents or discovers and asexually reproduces any distinct and new variety of plant. This includes invented or discovered seedlings, mutants, hybrids, and newly found seedlings, other than a tuber-propagated plant or a plant found in an uncultivated state.
Selecting the appropriate patent type for your invention is a critical step in the patent process and by making an informed decision at this stage, inventors like yourself can optimize the protection of your intellectual property and avoid potential legal disputes down the road.
Patents
FAQ
A patent attorney is a legal professional who specializes in the process of securing patents for inventors. Their primary responsibilities include conducting patent searches, preparing and filing patent applications, advising clients on patentability, and representing clients in patent infringement cases. They are skilled in both the technical aspects of invention and the legal nuances of patent law.
While it’s technically possible to file a patent on your own, the process is complex and requires a deep understanding of patent law and USPTO procedures. A mistake in the application process could lead to your patent being rejected or could limit the scope of your patent protection. A patent attorney has the necessary expertise to help you navigate this process, increasing the likelihood of a successful patent application.
A patent attorney is a specialized type of lawyer who has additional qualifications. Apart from having a law degree, a patent attorney also has a background in science or engineering and has passed the Patent Bar Examination. This unique combination allows them to understand complex technical and scientific details of an invention, necessary for effective patent protection.
Yes, a significant part of a patent attorney’s job is to protect your rights if your patent is infringed. This can involve sending cease and desist letters, negotiating settlements, or even representing you in court if necessary. They can provide you with advice and help you decide the best course of action based on your specific situation.
Getting Started with Your Patent:
Conduct a Patent Search
The first step in the patenting process I recommend is a patent search. This essential service, for which I charge $400, entails an in-depth review of your idea. The main goal is to determine if your concept is both “novel” and a “non-obvious” improvement.
Deciding on the Patent Application:
Provisional vs Non-provisional
If the patent search yields positive results, you have two paths to choose from: filing a provisional or non-provisional patent application.
Ready to get your patent started?
Embark on your journey to safeguarding your invention now!
With professional guidance, we can simplify complex legal jargon and provide personalized strategies that align with your objectives.
Don’t let another moment pass – reach out today to start protecting your innovation.
Understanding Provisional Applications
A provisional application is a temporary measure, serving as a placeholder until you’re ready to file a non-provisional application. This type of application is valid for only one year and doesn’t evolve into any legally enforceable rights.
There are two primary situations in which a provisional application can be beneficial:
- You anticipate significant improvements to your idea in the upcoming year.
- You’re seeking to buy some time to attract outside investors.
However, if your idea is fully developed and unlikely to improve further, a non-provisional application is generally the better choice.
Understanding Non-Provisional Applications
A non-provisional application, unlike its provisional counterpart, begins the official patenting process. If your invention is refined and ready, starting with a non-provisional application could be your best option.
Cost of Patent Applications
The legal fees differ based on the application type: $2000 for a provisional application and $4000 for a non-provisional application.
There are also filing fees associated with both application types. Typically, it costs $60 to file a provisional application, while filing a non-provisional application generally costs $364. Please note that these fees can vary depending on your qualification for micro-entity status, the length of your application, and the total number of claims in your application.
Overall, you’re looking at approximately $2500 for a provisional filing or about $5000 for a non-provisional filing.
While the vast majority of provisional and non-provisional application legal fees fall under the prices listed above, we reserve the right to request additional legal fees in the event of excessive drafting, scope change, or excessive revisions at the request of the client. However, we will advise the client of any potential additional charges before engaging in work or requesting payment under this provision.
Timeline of the Patenting Process
Regarding the timeline, a patent search normally takes seven to ten days. The drafting period usually extends over one to two months, while the examination period by the USPTO averages eighteen months.
