Ann Arbor, MI Patent Attorney

An intellectual property & trademark lawyer helps you whether you are creating a startup, are an individual inventor, or are part of an established business. These professionals use patent law in Ann Arbor to help you secure and defend your rights so that you can profit from your innovation.

At Bold Patents, you can find an Ann Arbor patent attorney who understands the industries in the city and the unique landscape of innovation. Our firm can support you in your intellectual property protection journey, helping you navigate the unique challenges and options present in Ann Arbor.

The Innovation Industry of Ann Arbor

Improvements and inventions are constantly made in the ever-growing sectors that fuel Ann Arbor’s economy, including life sciences, advanced manufacturing, automotive technology, software development, and medical technology. Innovation in Ann Arbor is driven by many institutions and organizations, including:

• The University of Michigan (U-M) is a prime research institution promoting collaboration and providing resources and facilities for visionaries in Ann Arbor.

• Ann Arbor research and development institutions support innovation, and University of Michigan patents can be utilized through the U-M Tech Transfer Office, which helps patent-holders and inventors license and profit from their creations.

• Ann Arbor initiatives that support startups further promote innovation.

• Proximity to research and development centers in existing automotive companies further fuels interest and innovation in automotive technology.

• Continued medical research by U-M and many medical companies improves innovation in medical devices and biotech.

• Local incubators, accelerators, and venture capital firms create a strong startup culture that promotes patent creation.

This culture of growth and progress pushes many individuals and groups to create new ideas and fosters business growth. When you want to secure intellectual property protection in Ann Arbor, it is essential that your attorney has local connections and an understanding of the city’s unique industry.

In order to effectively protect your IP and support business growth, your patent attorney must understand the current innovation of the industry for which you are inventing.

Essential Resources for Innovators in Ann Arbor

There are numerous important resources in and around Ann Arbor that provide support for innovators in the area. This includes:

• The Michigan Innovation Headquarters, which can help with patent-related resources and community services
• The U-M Center for Entrepreneurship
• Toyota Research Institute
• The U-M Tech Transfer Office
• Ann Arbor’s SmartZone
• Other local incubators and accelerators

The Tech Brewery was a co-working space that stands as a testament to the innovation of the area, but is no longer an active resource.

Ann Arbor is located very close to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Midwest Elijah J. McCoy Regional Office in Detroit, Michigan. This office is located at 300 River Place Drive. The proximity to the satellite office provides a convenient way for inventors to get in contact with the USPTO.

There are also several Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs), which are libraries and institutions equipped to further help innovators with patent and trademark information. There is one PTRC in Ann Arbor at the Art, Architecture, and Engineering Library at U-M. This is at 2281 Bonisteel Boulevard.

There is also a PTRC at the Detroit Public Library in Detroit and at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library in Toledo. All of these resources can be very useful for securing, licensing, and growing your intellectual property and business. An attorney is crucial as you apply for a patent and work with the USPTO. Your attorney can help you make the most of your local resources, developing a strategy to better serve your immediate and future goals.

Find Your Industry’s Patent Requirements

Get targeted patent guidance for your specific industry. Click on your industry below to discover specialized patent requirements, strategic approaches, and how our attorneys can transform your ideas into protected assets.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take to Get a Patent in Ann Arbor?

There is no set amount of time it takes to get a patent in Ann Arbor, and it will depend on the complexity of your invention and other factors. The USPTO sees many applications, with 62,985 design patent applications and 134,461 other patent applications filed in 2024. In the past 10 years, it has taken between 23.3 and 26.6 months for the total time from application to USPTO final decision.

Do I Need a Local Patent Attorney, or Can I Work With Someone Remotely?

You should work with a local patent attorney, as they can better connect you with institutions and organizations that have resources, facilities, networks, and funding for entrepreneurs.

What Types of Inventions are Commonly Patented in Ann Arbor?

Patented inventions include Ann Arbor tech patents. Medical device patents are common in Ann Arbor due to its strong medical industry. Ann Arbor automotive patents are also commonly secured.

How Do Local Resources, Like the U-M Tech Transfer Office, Support Patent Filing?

Local resources provide innovators with resources and mentorship as they navigate licensing and protecting their inventions.

Why Choose Bold Patents for My Ann Arbor Patents?

At Bold Patents, we have years of experience navigating patent laws and USPTO filing processes. We understand the unique requirements of innovation and intellectual property protection in Ann Arbor for individuals, businesses, and startups. Our firm can help you with patent opinions, securing patent protection, and gathering resources to help you pre-litigation.

When you bring your intellectual property case to us, we take the time to understand your unique wishes and leverage patent law to help you uphold your IP rights and be able to defend them from infringement. Bold Patents wants to help the visionaries and entrepreneurs in Ann Arbor achieve their goals and benefit from their creations in software, automotive, and medical fields.

The process of filing for a patent can be complex, but working with a patent attorney makes it easier. Bold Patents attorneys are familiar with the USPTO offices and resources and have the connections to support you and get you representation if litigation is needed to protect your patent rights.

Bold Patents: Helping You Secure Your Intellectual Property in Ann Arbor

The process of applying for a patent with the USPTO can be complex, and there are many ways intellectual property protection can be used to secure your competitive edge. Schedule a consultation with Bold Patents today and see how we can help you achieve your business goals.

Bold Patents J.D. Houvener, Esq., MBA, P.E.

Principal Patent Attorney, Bold Patents