A patent is an important element to have on your invention that will protect your intellectual property rights from copycats. It is wise to consult with a patent attorney as they can make the most of your patent rights as well as prepare your patent application to meet the USPTO’s exact requirements.
Why a Patent Attorney is Helpful for Obtaining a Patent Application
After endless weeks of research and hard work when your invention comes to life, the only thing left to do is patent it. Patenting it protects your intellectual property from copycats. Getting a patent is not an easy task.
It’s a long, tedious and expensive process, and without the right support, it can be a real hassle. But why should you go through all that trouble and get a patent? Why is it so important?
Here are a few reasons that getting a patent for your invention is crucial:
Exclusive rights – Patents give you the sole right to use and monetize your invention for up to 20 years from the date of filing the application.
Competitive advantage – Even if you are not planning to develop or commercialize your invention, a patent can block others from creating a product that may compete with your existing portfolio, effectively busting competitors out of your market and protecting your profitability.
Increased interest from investors – Startups based on patented technologies tend to be a lot more appealing to venture capital investors than those without patents.
Freedom to license or sell – The right to monetize your product is a huge advantage. It can be sold or licensed to another enterprise, which will provide you with more funds to run your business.
Better company valuation – A strong and relevant patent portfolio can be useful for raising funds and finding business partners while having a significant impact on a company’s valuation.
So now that you have realized that your invention is worth patenting, next step is deciding on a patent lawyer to guide you. But before that let us figure out who a patent lawyer is and what he does. Why should you hire one?
Who are Patent Lawyers and What Does a Patent Attorney do?
A patent attorney is one who specializes in patents and all matters related to patent law and practice. He/she will be qualified to represent clients seeking to obtain patents for their inventions. Every lawyer cannot necessarily file a patent.
They must be qualified enough with an appropriate certification to be eligible to file even a provisional patent applications. Though most patent lawyers handle various patents from various fields, a patent law attorney should be well informed about the patent law surrounding specific technical areas.
Having an expert opinion from someone who thoroughly understands patent law surrounding your niche can be extremely valuable. A lawyer adept at patent law will be aware of how to file a company patent, anticipate the patent office’s rejections and use the law to help you achieve a patent for your creation.
Why Should I Hire a Patent Lawyer?
A patent lawyer is not entirely needed to apply for a patent. You can independently submit a patent for your invention, representing yourself. But the repercussions of your action might be grave.
Writing a patent is extremely difficult. Patent law is a highly technical as well as legal field. Overlooking even the slightest detail may put the future of your invention at risk.
Hiring a patent lawyer who is well-aware of the law and technical jargon, will free you from the tedious process of filing a patent. Writing a patent yourself is highly risky.
If you still feel you would be able to be better at putting your idea and invention into words, then get a patent lawyer to look over your draft. You can also write and submit your own provisional patent application, which will give you one-year to file a formal patent application. Although provisional applications are not as official as a patent, it allows you to present your invention to various investors with a patent in hand.
A good patent lawyer will advise you on whether your invention is patentable. A patent attorney can also advise you on whether to file a provisional or non-provisional patent.
The attorney’s work on the patent application will help you explain and claim your invention in a way that makes the most of your patent rights. They will also conduct a thorough search for prior inventions that might be similar so that you don’t waste your time and money filing a patent application that might get rejected.
A patent attorney will prepare your patent application to meet the USPTO’s exact requirements to minimize delays in the patent application review process. If the USPTO grants you a patent, a patent attorney can help you enforce your patent rights, which is essential to capitalize on the economic value of your invention. And if the USPTO’s patent examiner rejects your initial application, an attorney can help you appeal the decision too.
Contact Us Today
If you are looking to patent your invention or future idea, the attorneys at Paul & Paul are here to help. Our seasoned attorneys assist with all matters relating to trademarks, patents, copyright, and trade secrets and have an extensive knowledge base of all things technology as well as intellectual property law. For a free consultation, please call us at (866) 975-7231.