Patent Application Lawyers
Searching For The Best Patent Application Lawyers in the USA?
Why Do I Need A Patent Application Lawyer?
The best patent lawyer can help you establish and maintain exclusive rights to monetize your invention.
The process of getting your invention patented can be long, complicated, and confusing. Drafting patents is a complex and nuanced process and negotiating with the United States Patent and Trademark Office requires knowledge and expertise. Patent litigation and patent infringement can be even more overwhelming.
Article 1, Section 8, Clause 8 of the United States Constitution says that Congress shall have the power “To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries.”
Even hundreds of years ago, the Founding Fathers of the United States understood the overwhelming importance of patents and how necessary it is to protect them. Inventions and scientific discoveries are at the heart of human innovation, and they have great power and value.
What Types of Patents Are There?
Utility Patents
A utility patent is a patent for a new or improved invention for a useful item, product, creation, or method. Such a patent protects the invention and the way it is used and its unique useful properties. In drafting a patent, wording claims in a specific way and getting proper patent drawings is critical to getting an invention patented.
Many important elements go into the patent process for useful inventions. Our firm is here to help you with all of the specifics and details needed for patenting your invention. From the early stages of the drafting process to communications and negotiations with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Keener and Associates are here to help you through it all.
Design Patents
A design patent protects the aesthetic designs of a product. A design patent is a great way to protect the ornamental appearance of your product. The way that your product is presented to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), including all of the minute details shown in the drawings of your invention, is critical to the granting of a design patent on your product.
Our firm is here to assist you in the process of working with the USPTO and getting the unique look of your product patented and protected from infringers.
Provisional Patents
A provisional patent application provides a one-year period to further develop the invention, determine marketability and seek licensing agreements. Within 12 months of the filing date of the provisional application, a non-provisional patent application based on the information contained in the provisional application must be filed. If no further action is taken within the 12 months, the patent is invalidated and the priority date is lost.
Plant Patents
A plant patent protects an asexually reproduced distinct and new variety of plant. The plant patent is valid for twenty years from the filing date of the application.
Patent Licensing
Throughout your patent’s lifetime, there may be opportunities for you to work with and license your intellectual property to a third party such as a company or corporation.
Many details go into the licensing of intellectual property, including royalties, term specifics, and especially the assurance that your intellectual property continues to be protected and is used the way you intend it to be.
Failing to draft licensing agreements properly can lead to the loss of your rights. Keener patent lawyers and Associates can help you with the drafting of such licensing agreements, working with you to draft the agreement how you want with the terms you desire. We are here to make sure your intellectual property is protected, so that you can reap the benefits of licensing your invention or product to others.
Patent Searching
When a person is considering filing a patent application, searching beforehand for already-registered intellectual property is the best way to ensure that time and money are not wasted on the patent preparation, application, and filing process.
Keener and Associates can help perform patent searches to look for that prior art that may affect the patentability of your invention or product, helping you to save time, money, and energy.
Provisional Patent Application
A provisional patent application is filing a patent application without filing all of the formal requirements needed for an application. This type of patent application allows you to secure a filing date, without all of the costs and time associated with filing a nonprovisional patent application. Our firm can help you with the filing of this provisional application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Patent Prosectution
Patent Prosecution is the process of drafting patents, filing them with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and communicating with the USPTO regarding the specifics of the invention or product, the patent itself, and patentability of an invention or product. Patent prosecution is a very lengthy and grueling process, but Keener and Associates will be with you every step of the way, from the first draft of your patent, to negotiating with the USPTO on the patentability of your invention or product, to congratulating you when you receive your patent in the mail.
Patent Maintenance
Throughout your patent’s lifetime, there will be instances where maintenance fees will be due to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Keeping up on these important dates is critical to ensuring that your patent stays valid and that your creation stays protected.
Keener and Associates can help you with maintaining your patents by filing the renewals of your intellectual property on time and communicating with the USPTO. Our firm is here to help maintain the patented status of your intellectual property.
Do you have a question for a Patent Application Lawyer?
Our patent attorneys are here to help you protect your invention and help you navigate the patent prosecution process. Contact us today for discussions on how Keener and Associates can handle your Patent Licensing or litigation needs.