California-Based Patents Attorneys
Moving society forward through the invention and innovation is a hallmark of human existence. Protecting your company’s or your own ideas to secure your legal rights is important. One way to do that is through the use of patents. At Coleman & Horowitt, LLP, we have decades of intellectual property law experience to help you protect and defend these ideas through the use of patents. If you have a legal issue, contact us at 559-343-2648.
What Kinds Of Inventions Can You Patent?
Patents can cover a range of new, nonobvious and useful creations including processes, machines, manufacture or composition of matter. To qualify for a patent, the invention must also be usable and not theoretical and have a clear description of how to make and use. The US Patent and Trademark Office prohibits laws of nature, physical phenomena and abstract ideas from patenting.
Types Of Patents
The USPTO grants three main types of patents:
- Utility patents: For new and useful processes, machines, articles of manufacture or compositions of matter, protecting the functional aspects of an invention
- Design patents: For protecting the ornamental design of functional items, focusing on unique visual qualities
- Plant patents: For new and distinct plant varieties that can be asexually reproduced, preserving their unique characteristics.
Choosing the right type of patent provides the appropriate level of protection for new innovations.
Who Can Apply For A Patent?
There are 3 categories for eligible applicants:
- You or your legal representative.
- Joint investors who invented something together.
- A person to whom an inventor has assigned an inventor or to whom the inventor is obligated.
The Patent Application Process
Applying for a patent involves several steps. Conducting a comprehensive patent search is a critical first step. A thorough search helps ensure your invention is novel and not already patented, preventing potential legal issues and wasted resources. Other steps include:
- Prepare detailed descriptions, claims and drawings of the invention.
- Submit the completed application with documentation and fees.
- A USPTO examiner will review the application, which may involve back-and-forth communication for clarification or amendments.
- The examiner grants the patent, rejects it or requests further amendments.
Since this process requires careful attention to detail, an intellectual property lawyer can provide crucial guidance
Questions? Call Today
This is just a simple overview of patent law. Our attorneys want to help you protect your inventions that help move humankind forward. Call 559-343-2648 to get starterd.