Utility Patents Lawyer Michigan

If you’re looking for help with utility patents in Michigan, Buckert Patent & Trademark Law Firm is here to assist you. We are intellectual property experts and can help you obtain the patent protection you need. We have experience with design patents, too, so we can help you protect your intellectual property from copycats.

United States patent law is governed by Title 35 of the United States Code and expressly protects an inventor’s right to capitalize on their work without fear of having their invention replicated for a set period of time.

At Buckert Patent & Trademark Law Firm, we understand how important it is for you to protect your intellectual property. We can help you navigate the patent process and ensure that your rights are protected. Contact us today to learn more about how our patent attorneys can help you capitalize on your novel idea, and read more below about how patents work.

What Is a Patent?

A patent is a protected form of intellectual property that gives its owner the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling their invention in the United States or importing it into the United States. 

There are three types of patents: utility patent, design patent, and plant patent. Utility patents are the most common type of patent and protect the functional aspects of an invention. A design patent protects the ornamental design of an invention, and plant patents protect asexually reproduced plants.

At Buckert Patent & Trademark Law Firm, our patent attorneys are experienced in all types of patent law and can help you determine which type of patent is right for your intellectual property. We will also help you navigate the patent application process and ensure that your rights are fully protected. 

What Is the Patent Application Process?

The patent application process can be complex and time-consuming, so it is important to have an experienced patent attorney on your side.

Determining Eligibility

The first step is to determine whether your invention is eligible for patent protection. To be eligible for a utility patent, your invention must be new or novel, useful, and non-obvious.

• New or novel: An invention is new or novel if there are no existing public disclosures of the invention on record.
• Useful: Your invention is useful if it has a clear useful purpose.
• Non-obvious: Your invention must not be immediately apparent or obvious, meaning that you cannot typically make a minor alteration to prior art and have it considered non-obvious.

Filing Your Application

If you or your patent attorney have determined that your invention meets the criteria for patentability, the next step is to file a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The patent application must include a written specification that describes the invention in detail and drawings of the invention. The patent application must also include claims which define the scope of protection of the invention.

Patent Review

Once the patent application is filed, it will be assigned to a USPTO examiner who will review the application to determine whether it meets the requirements for patentability. 

Notice of Allowance or Rejection

If the examiner determines that the invention is eligible for patent protection, they will issue a Notice of Allowance and the applicant will be required to pay a fee to have the patent issued.

If the examiner determines that the invention is not eligible for patent protection, they will issue a rejection. The applicant can then respond to the rejection and try to persuade the examiner to change their decision. 

Appeal

If the examiner still rejects the application, the applicant can appeal the decision.

The patent application process can be complex and confusing, but our experienced patent attorneys can help you navigate every step of the way. We will work with you to ensure that your patent application is complete and accurate, and we will help you respond to any rejections or objections from the USPTO in order to protect your intellectual property and capitalize on your useful invention.

Types of Inventions Protectable by Utility Patents

There are several types of inventions that can be protected by utility patents, which we’ve listed below that the patent attorneys at Buckert Patent & Trademark Law Firm can help you with.

Process Invention

A process invention is a new or novel method of doing something. For example, a process invention could be a new way of manufacturing a product or a new way of providing a service.

Machine Invention

A machine invention is a new or novel device that is used to perform a specific function. For example, a machine invention could be a new type of engine or a new type of computer.

Composition of Matter Inventions

A composition of matter invention is a new or novel combination of materials that are used to create something. For example, a composition of matter patent could cover a new type of plastic or a new type of alloy.

Article of Manufacture Inventions

An article of manufacture invention is a new physical object that is made by a process or machine. For example, an article of manufacture could be a car, a bike, or a pair of shoes.

Useful Improvements

A useful improvement is a new or novel way of making an existing article of manufacture or machine. For example, a useful improvement patent could cover a new way of manufacturing a car or a new way of constructing a pair of shoes.

Contact Buckert Patent & Trademark Law Firm To Protect Your Inventions Today

The Buckert Patent & Trademark Law Firm has experience with protecting all types of useful inventions with utility patents. Please contact us today for a free consultation.