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The benefits of hiring a patent attorney for your invention

by | Aug 2, 2018 | Uncategorized

You have a new idea / invention that you want to bring to market. You believe your invention will change the world, aid others in some way or perhaps simply provide entertainment and pleasure. It’s likely you want to protect it.

If you’re able to obtain a patent, you will own the right to prevent others from making, using or selling your invention. Although it’s possible to file a patent application without using an attorney, the lengthy, confusing aspects of the patent process may make you wish you had. Between knowledge, expertise and commitment, a patent attorney provides the reliable help you need to securely maximize the rights to your invention.

Attorney aid gives you peace of mind

Multiple benefits exist for inventors to hire a patent attorney.

Attorneys demonstrate at least five qualities that aid in the acquisition of a strong patent (or patents):

1. Expertise: Licensed patent attorneys offer important expertise. To become a patent attorney and represent an inventor before the US Patent Office, one must have at least an undergraduate degree in engineering or science, in addition to having a law degree. Understanding both the legal aspects of obtaining a patent and being able to understand and explain the underlying technology are critical to getting a patent that will have value.

2. Process knowledge: As many patent attorneys focus only on patent and trademarks, they understand the process that a patent must go through to get to approval. Patent approval takes on average two years, and missing deadlines and/or overlooking key requirements will only extend the time (or entirely cause the loss of patent rights) from conceiving your invention to getting a granted patent.

3. Dealing with complexity: The patent process is, unfortunately, quite complex, and is strewn with potential land mines that, if not avoided, can lead to the loss of legal rights. An experienced patent attorney can help you navigate the mine field.

4. Legal advice: Since a patent attorney will need to understand your invention as well as your business goals and/or plans for commercialization, they will give you advice on other aspects of the patent process, such as what type of patent to obtain, whether to file a provisional patent application, timing requirements, the relationship of filing your application to publicizing your invention, non-disclosure agreements, and other related subjects.

5. Preparation and execution: Patent attorneys need to be organized and diligent in preparing and filing patent-related documents, and tracking and meeting deadlines.

While it is possible to file a patent application on your own, it’s also possible to perform surgery on yourself. But few of us would do so – instead it’s best to rely on someone with the knowledge, and experience, to guide you through a challenging process.