Patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property (IP) rights are vital to many companies in today’s business climate. In regards to patent law, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issues patents, granting exclusive property rights to inventors. To begin this process, an inventor must file a complex, detailed application with the USPTO. After careful review, the patent will be granted if the application is approved.
Among the criteria for an invention to be patented are the requirements that the invention must be novel (new or unique), useful, and non-obvious. There are three types of US patents: utility patents, design patents, and plant patents. Utility patents are the most common, allowing the inventor to patent “a new and useful process, an article of manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof.” Design patents cover ornamental designs for manufactured goods, while plant patents cover the discovery or development of new plant species.
The USPTO has stringent requirements for any attorney wishing to register as a patent lawyer. The prospective registrant must possess a technical background in addition to passing a special patent bar exam. At Mendelsohn Dunleavy, all firm attorneys are registered with the USPTO. These qualifications allow our firm to assist clients with U.S. patents and work with foreign patent agents to secure foreign patent protection.
Our attorneys hold undergraduate and advanced degrees in different technologies and science disciplines, including Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Physics. Our attorneys have extensive experience in every stage of the patent process. If you are in need of assistance regarding a patent issue, from drafting the application to suing a potential infringer, our experienced attorneys can provide tailored support. Contact us today to learn more.