Patent Lawyer

George Washington Carver's discovery of the various uses for peanuts, Eli Whitney's invention of the cotton gin and John Deere's "singing" iron plow forever changed industry in the U.S. While all these inventions are appreciated, equally impressive contributions by a patent lawyer are often overlooked. Without a patent lawyer, Eli's cotton gin may have not gained in popularity, peanuts may not have been discovered and no one would have recognized John Deere.

Inventor Tip:

Registering your idea early could be vital to keeping your rights. Sometimes it's a race to the patent office, as was the case with the telephone with two patents being filed the very same day. Do you even know the name of the OTHER guy?

What is a Patent Lawyer?

A Patent Lawyer is an attorney who has specialized qualifications necessary to represent clients in obtaining patents and also matters and procedures relating to patent law and practice. A patent lawyer can guide a client through the complicated steps of patent registration, searching a patent listing, filing a patent application and drafting a claim.

Does a patent lawyer file a large number of patent applications each year?

Currently, there are 34,000 professional members of the patent bar office. In the mid-1980s, that number was only 13,000 members. Demands for lawyers specializing in scientific matters have increased in this growing technical society. According to the U.S. Patent Office, a staggering 450,000 patent applications will be filed this year. Not all these applications will be officially filed by a patent attorney.

Why Do I need a Patent Lawyer?

A patent lawyer can assist clients in ensuring their individual specific idea/product design cannot be copied by a competitor and placed on the market at a cheaper price. Hiring a patent lawyer who specializes in obtaining patents will help clients navigate through the complicated process of obtaining a patent.

How can a patent lawyer help in filing a patent application in the US or abroad?

Not every country may have the same requirements for filing an application. U.S. requirements may vary greatly from international patent requirements. The U.S. Trade and Patent Office requires its bar applicants to have science or engineering degrees because patent matters have become so complex.

How can I find a Patent Lawyer?

Some countries have specific regulations. If you are looking for a patent lawyer in an overseas country, try attending an international patent convention. This may be a great way to make new contacts. Choose a law firm specializing in patent matters or consult the yellow pages of a telephone directory for name of a patent lawyer who specialize in patent searches and filing a claim.