Washington Patent Attorney
Inventing new products is a great way to contribute to society, and further the development of modern technology. However, what is just as important as your invention, is making sure that the rights of your invention are protected. At Beard St. Clair Gaffney, it is our goal to help you keep what is yours. You should not have to worry about your invention ideas being stolen by another person, or someone developing an invention that is very similar to the one that you had developed. Our patent attorneys are experienced and will help you with all things involving patents. ideas or create products that are similar to yours. At Beard St. Clair Gaffney, we are passionate about helping keep your ideas, so that they stay your ideas.
What is a Patent?
A patent is a governmental right that is granted to inventors and inventions to make sure that their ideas and inventions are not able to be copied or stolen. It gives rights to inventors to press any charges against people who are making, distributing, or even selling their products without any permission. The patent itself tells the reader how to create the invention, and discloses all of the processes that were taken in order to make the invention. There are three different types of patents. Each one has a different purpose. The three different types of patents are:
Utility Patents
The utility patent is what most people would think of when they hear the word patent. It is a lengthy document that goes over all of the steps that were taken to develop the invention, as well as the processes that are needed to be taken in order to have the invention run properly. The types of inventions that can be protected by a utility patent are clearly defined by Congress, however with the continuous development of technology, makes the lines a little fuzzy, and they are constantly being revised as to what can receive protection from a utility patent.
Design Patent
This patent is just as it sounds. These types of patents protect the designs, or the ornamental designs on a useful object. An example of this could be the shape of a glass bottle. If a company were able to get a design patent on the way their glass bottles are shaped, then other companies could not use the same, patented design. Rather than being a lengthy document that is full of all of the processes and systems of the invention, this type of patent is filled with illustrations and designs of how the company would like their invention to appear. Due to the fact that the patent consists mostly of drawings, they can be very difficult to search, as there is little written down on these types of patents.
Plant Patent
A plant patent is exactly the way that it sounds. It protects new types of plants that are produced by non-sexual means. Different ways that these plants are made can consist of new plants developed by cuttings. The plant patents generally do not cover plants that have undergone genetic modification in any type of way.
Why Do I Need a Patent?
There are many different benefits that are associated with getting a patent for your company. One of the main benefits is the fact that by patenting your invention makes sure that your competitors cannot copy your invention and sell it for yourself. As your company starts to invent unique products, this will set you apart from your competitors. You will have the opportunity to sell your unique invention without having to worry about your competitors having your product. This can be a great advantage to you as you are selling your product amongst all of your competitors.
Why Should You Get a Patent Lawyer?
Getting a patent attorney can help your experience getting a patent for your invention go very smoothly without much of a hassle to you. The process for getting a patent can be very difficult and long if you do not know anything about patents. However, if you decide to get a patent attorney, then you will have an experienced attorney on your team who will help you protect what is yours. A patent attorney will deal with all of the processes that go into applying for a patent. They will make sure that everything is done correctly, to help speed up the time in which you are able to get your patent, as if it takes too long, your invention could be patented by someone else.
Why Beard St. Clair Gaffney?
When choosing a patent attorney, it is important to choose one who is well experienced, and familiar with patent prosecution, as well as the application process. Our lawyers bring expert level skills and experiences to the table, as we make it our end goal of helping you keep what is rightfully yours. We will help you whether you are a small business getting a start in developing your first product, or you are a corporation looking to protect your star product, we will be able to help you.
Contact Us
If you are in the process of developing a new product for your business, then you may want to start considering patenting the product. At Beard St. Clair Gaffney, we want to assist you in making sure that your product stays yours, and that nobody can steal it, infringe it, or copy it. Contact us today to get in touch with one of our experienced patent attorneys. We look forward to working with you!
Patent FAQs
How Long Will It Take to Get a Patent?
From the time that you start your patent application, to the time that it is finished and approved, the process of getting a patent for your company will usually take 24 months.
How Long Does a Patent Last?
Unfortunately, patents do not last forever. They have an amount of time that they are good for. The amount of time that a patent is effective depends on what type of patent you applied for. A utility patent is good for a duration of 20 years, a plant patent is good for 20 years, while a design patent is good for 14 years.
Can I Renew My Patent?
Patents are non-renewable. Once the duration of time is up, there is no option for you to get it renewed.
