If you invent something or create something, you have every reason to feel proud. You’ve built something out of nothing, something that began with just an idea. And if you’re able to do something so epic, you should be able to sit back and reap the benefits. Sadly, it’s not always so easy. When you invent intellectual property, you have to start thinking about obtaining a patent…and that means you’ve got a lot to do.
Sometimes, the patent process isn’t so easy. You may want to turn to the services of a patent attorney, which you can find through intellectual property practices. They know patent law inside and out, and they know how to get the whole process moving along so you really can start enjoying all the benefits of your creations.
Getting a Patent
The patent process can be a lengthy, tedious ordeal. The United States Patent and Trademark Office patent application is extremely lengthy and requires a lot of detail. Also, patents don’t last for ever. Typically, the patent is only good for 20 years. Until you have a patent, you don’t have the legal ability to sue someone for taking your big idea. This protects your creative property from being stolen by someone else.
However, there is no patent at all until the application has been approved. You can still protect your creation with intellectual property practices, who can help you put together a confidentiality agreement. When your idea is not yet patented, this document will help protect your rights as an inventor.
Intellectual Property Practices
You can get a patent without a patent attorney, but this is makes the process even more difficult and lengthy. You may also run into problems that are best managed by someone who understands patent law very well. Many lawyers who specialize in patent law also have additional skills and knowledge that can be put to use for you to help you obtain the patent you need.
Lawyers understand all the finer points of patent law, including the three different types of patents and the difference between patents, copyrights and trademarks. All of these are separate types of protection meant to safeguard your creations.
An attorney can also help you obtain a provisional patent application. This document specifically protects your creation for up to 12 months while you wait on patent approval. This also allows you to legally use the phrase “patent pending” to market products or services.
More than 500,000 patent applications are received by the Patent Office every year. Using intellectual property practices will help you ensure that one of the applications they approve will be yours.