Get a Free Case Evaluation

Utility Patent Attorney

Protect The Way Your Invention Works

The attorneys at Paul & Paul have decades of experience working with inventors, designers, and businesses who require an experienced patent attorney to make utility patent applications and secure patent protection. With rapid expansion in the invention and development of new products, it is critical for an inventor or business to protect their products and intellectual property.

Acquiring any patent, including a utility patent, can be a complex process. Paul & Paul has a team of lawyers who not only know the patent process but also have extensive backgrounds in a number of industries that gives them unique knowledge about what a utility patent protects, how they are different than design patents, and the other legal services required for protecting your intellectual property.

Your Utility Patent Attorney At Paul & Paul

At Paul & Paul, your utility patent attorney will guide you through the complex process of obtaining a patent for your idea, product, or invention. They will file the utility patent applications, work with the USPTO and ultimately protect you and your business from patent infringement. If you are in need of a utility patent attorney, contact Paul & Paul today for a consultation.

Get A Complimentary Consultation

What Is A Utility Patent?

A utility patent is a type of patent that protects the way an invention is used and works. A utility patent can be granted for any new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof. This means that a utility patent can cover a wide range of inventions, including machines, devices, software, and chemical compositions, among others.

Utility patents grant the owner the exclusive right to prevent others from making, using, selling, and importing an invention for a period of 20 years from the date of filing of the utility patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

To obtain a utility patent, an inventor must file a patent application with the USPTO, which includes a detailed description of the invention and how it works, and how one would use the invention. The application is then examined by a patent examiner to determine if the invention meets the requirements for patentability. If the patent examiner finds the invention to be novel, non-obvious, and useful, the USPTO will grant the patent, and the inventor can then enforce their exclusive rights to the invention.

How Long Does It Take To Secure A Utility Patent?

The time it takes to get utility patents can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the invention, the backlog at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and whether the utility patent application encounters any legal challenges. On average, it takes around 2-3 years for a utility patent application to be examined and processed by the USPTO.

After filing a utility patent application, the USPTO will conduct an examination to determine if the invention meets the criteria for patentability. This process typically takes around 12-18 months, but it can take longer if the application is complex or if the USPTO has a backlog of applications and what information the USPTO requires.

If the USPTO determines that the invention is patentable, it will issue a Notice of Allowance, which means that the patent will be granted once certain administrative tasks are completed. After these tasks are completed, the USPTO will issue the patent, and the inventor will have the exclusive right to use, sell, and license the invention for a period of 20 years from the date of filing of the patent application.

A utility patent attorney will be your point of contact with the USPTO and will guide you through the process. An experienced utility patent lawyer, such as the ones at Paul & Paul, know what it takes to get your patent granted.

How Is A Utility Patent Different Than A Design Patent?

A utility patent and a design patent are two different types of patents that protect different aspects of an invention. Here are some of the main differences between a utility patent and a design patent:

Utility patents protect the way an invention works, while design patents protect the way an invention looks. A utility patent can be granted for any new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof. This means that a utility patent can cover a wide range of inventions, including machines, devices, software, and chemical compositions, among others. In contrast, a design patent protects the ornamental design of an object, such as its shape, pattern, and color.
The scope of protection is different for utility patents and design patents. A utility patent provides broad protection for the invention, which means that the patent holder can prevent others from making, using, selling, and importing any product that uses the invention. In contrast, a design patent provides narrower protection for the ornamental design of the object. This means that the patent holder can prevent others from making, using, selling, and importing any product that uses the same ornamental design.
The application process for utility patents and design patents is different. To obtain a utility patent, the inventor must file a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), which includes a detailed description of the invention and how it works. The application is then examined by a patent examiner to determine if the invention meets the requirements for patentability. In contrast, to obtain a design patent, the inventor must file a patent application with the USPTO, which includes a series of drawings or photographs that show the ornamental design of the object. The application is then examined by a patent examiner to determine if the design is novel and non-obvious.
The duration of protection is different for utility patents and design patents. A utility patent provides 20 years of protection from the date of filing, while a design patent provides 15 years of protection from the date of grant. However, the duration of protection for a design patent can be extended for up to 15 additional years if the patent holder files for an extension.

Your utility patent attorney at Paul & Paul will guide you through the patent process and ensure that you are applying for and receiving the patent protection you need.

What Our Clients Say

Eric Tuch

01:09 26 Jun 20

From the moment I made contact, I was met with professionalism and legal expertise. Alex exceeded my expectations and continues to guide me as I need assistance. I am extremely grateful for his detail in preparing my application, as I was overwhelmed with excitement while reviewing the final draft. If you are seeking intellectual property protection, Paul and Paul provides exceptional service to help you move in the right direction.

Barry Ruder

19:14 16 Sep 19

Fantastic service, appreciate how they follow up to make sure I do not miss deadlines

Blue Bell Equine Assisted Therapy

20:56 16 Jul 19

Ginny Blair

02:57 31 May 19

Sherrill Mosee

21:29 06 Mar 19

Paul and Paul is a great firm to work with, especially if you’re an entrepreneur. I’ve been working with the firm since 2013 and have two patents to show. What I love most about Paul and Paul is that they are a boutique firm. The level of attention I get from my attorney, Mr. Sluzas, is likely not found at a larger firm. My questions and concerns are typically answered within hours of my request, if not sooner. If you’re looking for a firm that is experienced, respected and responsive to your needs, I suggest Paul and Paul.

Michael Atchison

00:35 16 Jan 19

Paul & Paul have done great work for our scientific education company for nearly a decade. They successfully submitted our patent application, which was awarded, and have negotiated several business contracts. Their advice is always outstanding, and they are efficient. Their work is excellent and we’ve been very satisfied and impressed.

Raj Rajasekaran

23:42 10 Mar 18

I have been working with Paul and Paul for the past 4 years. The attorneys here are very capable and accomplish the goals of the project strategically. They are very considerate and supportive of the financial situation of the client. I enjoy working with Alex Sluzas from Paul and Paul and so far my experience has been fabulous. I will strongly recommend Alex Sluzas to any entrepreneur who is looking for an excellent and a honest patent attorney.