Oregon Patent Attorney
With the increase of technology, there are so many opportunities for entrepreneurs to invent a product that could have a great impact on society. Because of this, having a patent is essential when inventing new products. Without patents, your new invention does not have any rights, and there will be no way to press charges if someone copies or steals your ideas. Patents ensure that your rights are protected so that nobody can steal your 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?
Patents give inventors rights for the design of their invention as well as the invention itself. These are legally recognized, and if someone does decide to steal your ideas, then you will have the right to press charges against them. The real purpose of a patent is not to necessarily reward the inventor of the product, but to allow societies access to all of the ideas of inventions that are out there.
Different Types of Patents
Since no two inventions are the same, there are different types of patents that fit according to the nature of the invention. There are three different types of patents, and it is important to know what type of patent will best fit your needs. As inventors do this, it secures the rights that they need specifically for your invention.
Utility Patent
These types of patents are what most people think of when they think of patents. They teach the public how to use different types of machinery, processes or systems. Patents that can receive utility patents usually are defined by Congress. With the development of genetic engineering and internet-delivered software, there are constant challenges being presented as to what rights a utility patent covers.
Design Patent
The design patents protect the rights of an ornamental design on a product. For example, a certain shape of a shoe or bottle may be eligible for this type of patent. The patent itself typically consists of the designs of the product. The paperwork and patent itself focuses on the design of the patent so that it can be protected if someone tries to steal your designs. Because there are so little words on a patent design, they can be hard to find.
Plant Patent
This patent tends to be the most self-explanatory. This patent protects the right of plants that are created through cutting or other non-sexual means. However, plant patents typically do not cover genetically modified organisms and are geared more towards conventional horticulture.
How to Apply for a Patent
The process of applying for a patent can be very lengthy and difficult. However, if you believe that your invention is patentable, and you would like your rights protected, then you should really take the time to apply for a patent. The first step that needs to be taken when applying for a patent is making sure that your patent is in fact patentable. If it is not, then the whole application process will have been a waste of time. After confirming that your invention is indeed patentable, the next step is to choose a patent attorney. A patent attorney will help you through the whole process, as they are familiar with everything that is needed. After choosing an attorney, you will then fill out the application and then send it off to the USPTO.
If there are any sort of errors in your application, then you will have one chance to get those fixed. If there is no missing information in the application, then it will be assigned to an examiner. The examiner will then communicate with your attorney to address any updates to your application. After it gets approved, you will be asked to pay some legal fees. Once the fees are paid, then you will receive your patent packet.
How to Choose a Patent Attorney
Choosing the correct patent attorney for you is critical in making sure that your patent application gets approved. It can be quite difficult to fill out a patent application and get it approved by the USPTO. It is important to make sure that the patent attorney that you are choosing is well-experienced in their field, so that they will be able to help get your application approved
In order to really know if your patent attorney is a registered patent practitioner you can check the Office of Enrollment and Discipline. They maintain a record of who the eligible patent attorneys are.
Why Choose Beard St. Clair Gaffney Oregon Patent Attorney
At Beard St. Clair Gaffney, we are passionate about helping you keep what’s yours. All of our attorneys are highly experienced, qualified, and ready to help you protect what is yours. It does not matter if you are wanting a patent for a small business, or if you are a part of a corporation who wants to patent their latest development. We will help you along every step of the way.
Contact Us
If you are inventing a new product, then you may want to consider getting a patent. Let us help you throughout the whole application process. At Beard St. Clair Gaffney, we are passionate about helping our clients keep what is rightfully theirs. Contact us today to get started on your patent application. We look forward to hearing from you.
Patent FAQs
How long does the patent application process take?
From the time that you start the application process, to the time that you have the patent approved and finished, is typically around 24 months.
How long does the patent last?
Unfortunately, if you file a patent, it is not valid forever. Utility and plant patents are valid for the duration of 20 years, while design patents expire after 14 years.
Can I renew my patent after it expires?
Patents are non-renewable. When they expire, the patent is no longer valid, and the invention is open for the public.
