Design Patents
Step 2: Search for patents similar to your idea
As you may have discovered, the problem with most great ideas is that someone else has already thought of it. To be patentable, an invention must be novel and non-obvious around the world. The critical question is this: has someone else already applied for a patent? That’s the question A+ Legal will answer for you.
For you to obtain the most protection available under the law, we suggest that you order a U.S. and foreign patent search. A U.S. and foreign patent search will tell you which inventions are similar to your invention.
On your behalf, we will go to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (located near our office in the Washington, D.C. area) and search relevant records by computer and by hand. Going there in person gives us the ability to consult directly with Patent Examiners if necessary. After identifying the classes appropriate to your invention, we then hand search the relevant foreign patent records available to the Patent Examiners.
All applicable phone discussions with you, patent copies, and mailing costs will be included in the price we quote you for conducting the search. We will let you know whether you have a chance of obtaining a patent.
If your idea has a chance of being patented, we will then take steps to protect your rights until the relevant patents are obtained.
Go to Step 3
Protect your idea in anticipation of receiving
one or more patents.
| Did You Know? |
There is a time limit on patent protection.
For applications filed on or after June 8, 1995, utility and plant patents are granted for a term which begins with the date of the grant and usually ends 20 years from the date you first applied for the patent subject to the payment of appropriate maintenance fees. Design patents last 14 years from the date you are granted the patent. Note: Patents in force on June 8 and patents issued thereafter on applications filed prior to June 8, 1995 automatically have a term that is the greater of the twenty year term discussed above or seventeen years from the patent grant.
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Contact our Patent
Professionals to ensure you complete the patent filing process correctly or for violation of your patent rights.
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