Patent Services

At our firm, we offer a comprehensive suite of patent services designed to protect your intellectual property and maximize the value of your innovations. Our team of experienced patent attorneys and technical experts work closely with inventors, startups, and established companies to navigate the complex landscape of patent law. We understand that each invention is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet the specific needs of each client.

Our patent services encompass every stage of the patent lifecycle, from initial concept evaluation to post-grant enforcement. We pride ourselves on our technical expertise, legal acumen, and strategic thinking, all of which are crucial in securing strong patent protection in today’s competitive market.

Patent Drafting and Applications

The cornerstone of effective patent protection lies in the careful drafting of patent applications. A well-drafted patent application is critical to securing broad and enforceable patent rights. We excel in crafting patent applications that not only meet the strict requirements of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) but also provide robust protection for your invention.

Key aspects of our patent drafting process include:

  • Thorough invention disclosure meetings to fully understand the technical aspects and potential applications of your innovation
  • Careful claim drafting to maximize the scope of protection while anticipating potential workarounds
  • Detailed descriptions that support broad claim interpretation and future continuation applications
  • Strategic use of drawings and diagrams to enhance understanding and support claims
  • Tailoring the application to address industry-specific challenges and USPTO expectations

We understand that a patent is only as strong as its claims and supporting disclosure. Our meticulous approach to patent drafting aims to create a solid foundation for your intellectual property rights, positioning you for success in both the marketplace and potential legal disputes.

Patent Prosecution

Patent prosecution is the process of pursuing a patent application through the USPTO. We guide you through every step of this complex process, from initial filing to final grant.

Our patent prosecution services include:

  • Preparing and filing patent applications
  • Responding to office actions and examiner rejections
  • Conducting examiner interviews to advance prosecution
  • Developing strategies for expedited examination when appropriate
  • Managing continuation and divisional applications
  • Coordinating international patent filings under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)

We strive to obtain the broadest possible patent protection in the most cost-effective manner. Our deep understanding of USPTO procedures and examiner tendencies allows us to navigate the prosecution process efficiently, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Patent Searches

Comprehensive patent searches are an essential step in the patent process. They help identify prior art that could impact the patentability of your invention and inform strategic decisions about patent filings. Our firm conducts rigorous patent searches using state-of-the-art tools and databases.

Our patent search services include:

  • Novelty searches to assess the uniqueness of an invention
  • Freedom-to-operate searches to identify potential infringement risks
  • Validity searches to evaluate the strength of existing patents
  • State-of-the-art searches to understand the current technological landscape

We provide detailed search reports that not only list relevant prior art but also include expert analysis of how the identified references might impact your patent strategy. This information is invaluable in making informed decisions about patent filings, product development, and market entry strategies.

Patentability Analysis

Determining whether an invention is patentable is a crucial step in the innovation process. Our patentability analysis service provides a comprehensive evaluation of your invention against the key criteria for patentability: patentable subject matter, novelty, non-obviousness, and utility.

Our patentability analysis process involves:

  • Reviewing the invention disclosure in detail
  • Assessing if the disclosed invention is patentable subject matter
  • Conducting targeted prior art searches
  • Analyzing the invention in light of identified prior art
  • Assessing the invention’s technical merits and potential market impact
  • Providing a detailed report with our professional opinion on patentability

This analysis helps you make informed decisions about whether to proceed with a patent application, modify your invention, or explore alternative forms of intellectual property protection. Our goal is to provide you with a clear understanding of your invention’s patent potential and the best path forward.

Infringement Analysis

In today’s competitive market, understanding your freedom to operate and identifying potential infringement risks is crucial. Our infringement analysis services help you navigate these complex issues with confidence.

We offer two primary types of infringement analysis:

  • Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Analysis: We assess whether your product or process might infringe on existing patent rights, helping you avoid costly disputes and informing your product development strategy.
  • Infringement Opinion: If you suspect someone is infringing on your patent rights, we conduct a thorough analysis to determine if infringement is occurring and advise on potential enforcement strategies.

Our infringement analyses include:

  • Comprehensive patent searches
  • Detailed claim charts comparing the patent claims to the product or process in question
  • Expert analysis of claim interpretation and potential infringement
  • Strategic recommendations for risk mitigation or enforcement actions

These analyses are essential tools for managing IP risk, informing business decisions, and developing effective patent strategies.

Patent Licensing

Patent licensing can be a powerful tool for monetizing your intellectual property or gaining access to necessary technologies. We assist with various aspects of patent licensing, including:

  • Identifying licensing opportunities
  • Valuing patent portfolios for licensing purposes
  • Negotiating favorable licensing terms
  • Drafting and reviewing licensing agreements
  • Advising on complex licensing structures, such as cross-licensing and patent pools
  • Ensuring compliance with antitrust and competition laws

Our goal is to help you leverage your patent assets effectively, whether you’re looking to generate revenue through licensing or secure the rights you need to bring your products to market.

Market Size Analysis

Understanding the market potential of a patented invention is crucial for making informed decisions about patent filing, product development, and commercialization strategies. Our market size analysis service provides valuable insights into the commercial landscape surrounding your invention.

Our analysis typically includes:

  • Identifying potential applications and markets for the invention
  • Estimating the size of relevant markets and growth projections
  • Analyzing competitive landscape and potential market share
  • Identifying potential licensees or partners
  • Assessing regulatory and market entry barriers

This information helps you evaluate the potential return on investment for your patent efforts and make strategic decisions about resource allocation and commercialization paths.

Patent Litigation Support

When patent disputes escalate to litigation, having experienced support is crucial. While we hope to resolve disputes through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution methods, we are fully prepared to support you in patent litigation when necessary.

Our patent litigation support services include:

  • Pre-litigation strategy development
  • Infringement and validity analyses
  • Prior art searching and analysis
  • Expert witness selection and preparation
  • Technical support for legal teams
  • Participation in claim construction proceedings
  • Assistance with discovery and deposition preparation
  • Support for settlement negotiations

Our technical expertise and deep understanding of patent law make us valuable assets in patent litigation, whether you’re asserting your rights or defending against infringement claims.

Patent Trial and Appeal Board Litigation

We are experienced in handling all types of litigation in the USPTO Patent Trial and Appeal Board, including Inter Partes Review (IPR) proceedings. We are experienced with defending the validity of patents in this forum or using these tools to invalidate wrongly granted patents.

About Patent Law

- Importance of Federal Patent Protection

Federal patent protection is a cornerstone of innovation in the United States. Patents grant inventors the exclusive right to make, use, and sell their inventions for a limited period, typically 20 years from the filing date.

This exclusivity provides several key benefits:

  • Market exclusivity, allowing time to establish market position
  • Potential licensing revenue
  • Increased company valuation
  • Deterrent against competitors copying your technology
  • Defensive protection against infringement claims

Understanding and leveraging the patent system is crucial for businesses looking to protect their innovations and maintain a competitive edge.

Strategy and Guidance

Effective patent protection requires more than just technical and legal expertise—it requires strategic thinking. We work closely with our clients to develop comprehensive patent strategies that align with their business goals and market realities.

Our strategic guidance includes:

  • Developing a patent portfolio strategy
  • Aligning patent filings with product development timelines
  • Balancing patent protection with trade secret strategies
  • Navigating international patent protection
  • Integrating patent strategy with overall business and IP strategy

We believe that patents should be business tools, not just legal documents. Our goal is to help you build a patent portfolio that adds real value to your business.

Process Overview

The patent process can be complex, but understanding the basic steps can help you navigate it more effectively. Here’s a high-level overview of the typical patent process:

  • Invention disclosure and evaluation
  • Prior art search and patentability analysis
  • Patent application drafting and filing
  • USPTO examination
  • Responding to office actions
  • Patent grant and maintenance
  • Potential post-grant proceedings (e.g., reexamination, inter partes review)

Throughout this process, we provide clear communication and guidance, ensuring you understand each step and can make informed decisions about your patent strategy.

At our firm, we’re committed to providing comprehensive patent services that protect your innovations and support your business growth. With our technical expertise, legal acumen, and strategic approach, you can trust us to navigate the complex world of patent law and secure the protection your inventions deserve.

FAQ’s

What are patent services?
Patent services encompass a range of legal and technical assistance related to obtaining, maintaining, and enforcing patent rights. This includes patent drafting, filing applications, conducting searches, analyzing patentability, and providing litigation support.
Why is precise patent drafting important?
Precise drafting is crucial because it determines the scope of protection your patent will receive. A well-drafted patent can provide broader protection and is more likely to withstand challenges.
What's included in a patent application?
A patent application typically includes a description of the invention, claims defining the scope of protection, drawings or diagrams, and an abstract summarizing the invention.
What types of patent searches do you offer?
We offer novelty searches, freedom-to-operate searches, validity searches, and state-of-the-art searches to address various patent-related needs.
Why is a patent search necessary?
Patent searches help identify prior art that could affect patentability, inform strategy decisions, and reduce the risk of infringement on existing patents.
What is a patentability analysis?
A patentability analysis evaluates an invention against the criteria for patentability: novelty, non-obviousness, and utility. It helps determine the likelihood of obtaining a patent.
How do you conduct an infringement analysis?
We compare the claims of a patent to a potentially infringing product or process, analyzing each element to determine if infringement is occurring.
What's the difference between a freedom-to-operate analysis and an infringement analysis?
A freedom-to-operate analysis determines if your product might infringe existing patents, while an infringement analysis determines if someone else’s product infringes your patent.
What is patent licensing?
Patent licensing involves granting permission to another party to make, use, or sell your patented invention, usually in exchange for royalties or other compensation.
Why would I consider licensing my patent?
Licensing can generate revenue from your invention without having to manufacture or sell products yourself. It can also help expand your market reach.
What's involved in a market size analysis for patents?
A market size analysis estimates the potential commercial value of a patented invention by evaluating market demand, competition, and potential applications of the technology.
Why is market size analysis important for patents?
It helps inform decisions about whether to pursue a patent, guides licensing negotiations, and assists in valuing patents for sale or litigation purposes.
What is patent prosecution?
Patent prosecution is the process of pursuing a patent application through the USPTO, including responding to office actions and negotiating with examiners.
How long does the patent prosecution process typically take?
On average, it takes about 2-3 years from filing to grant, but it can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the invention and the USPTO’s backlog.
What kind of support do you provide for patent litigation?
We offer technical analysis, prior art searching, expert witness coordination, claim construction support, and strategic guidance throughout the litigation process.
Why is federal patent protection important?
Federal patent protection grants exclusive rights to make, use, and sell an invention nationwide, providing a strong legal basis for commercialization and enforcement.
What's the difference between a utility patent and a design patent?
Utility patents protect how an invention works or is used, while design patents protect the ornamental appearance of an article of manufacture.
Can I patent my idea?

Ideas alone cannot be patented. You need a concrete invention that is novel, non-obvious, and useful. We can help you develop your idea into a potentially patentable invention.

What is the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)?
The PCT is an international patent law treaty that provides a unified procedure for filing patent applications in its contracting states.
How do I know if my invention is patentable?
Patentability depends on novelty, non-obviousness, and utility. We can conduct a patentability analysis to assess your invention against these criteria.
What's the difference between a provisional and a non-provisional patent application?
A provisional application is a simpler, lower-cost filing that establishes a priority date. A non-provisional application is a full application that can result in an issued patent.
How long does patent protection last?
In the U.S., utility patents last for 20 years from the filing date, while design patents last for 15 years from the issue date.
What are maintenance fees, and why are they important?
Maintenance fees are payments required to keep a granted patent in force. They’re due at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years after the patent is granted.
Can I file a patent application internationally?
Yes, you can file internationally through the PCT system or by filing directly in individual countries. We can help develop an international filing strategy.
What is prior art?
Prior art is any evidence that your invention was already known before the filing date of your patent application. It can include patents, publications, public uses, or sales.
What happens if someone infringes my patent?
If infringement is detected, options include sending a cease and desist letter, offering a license, or pursuing litigation. We can help assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.
Can I sell my patent?
Yes, patents are assets that can be sold. We can assist with valuation and negotiation of patent sales.
What is an Inter Partes Review (IPR)?
An IPR is a procedure for challenging the validity of a granted patent before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. It’s often used as part of patent litigation strategy.
How do you determine appropriate royalties for patent licensing?
Royalty rates are determined by factors including the strength of the patent, market demand, profitability of products using the patented technology, and industry standards. We can help analyze these factors and negotiate favorable terms.
What is the difference between a utility patent and a design patent?
Utility patents cover the functional elements of a patentable invention (process, machine, manufacture or composition of matter) while design patents cover the ornamental elements of functional items. Utility patents cover the function of device while design patents cover ornamental elements of the functional device.
What is a provisional patent application?
A provisional patent application is a simpler type of patent application that can be used to establish a filing/priority date. It can be useful in certain strategic circumstances, has less formal requirements and costs less to file. Provisional patent applications are not examined and must be followed by a non-provisional application filed within one year of the provisional application.