Chicago, IL Utility Patent Attorney

Why Hire a Utility Patent Attorney With Bold Patents in Chicago?

The attorneys at Bold Patents have decades of experience in patent law and utility patent cases, and we are familiar with the industries that are essential to Chicago’s innovative environment, including medical devices, life science advancements, financial technology innovations, and patents for transportation and logistics. We have supported individuals and businesses in Chicago for years, and we can support you in your patent journey.

Patent protection can change your future, as the right invention can be used to secure a competitive edge, supporting your start-up or small business, or leading to a lucrative commercialization agreement. Our firm understands how important this is, and we provide in-depth patent advice and support throughout the entire process of developing your invention and securing patent protection.

Industries in Chicago

Understanding the key industries in Chicago is crucial for identifying where innovation is happening and the areas where advancements are likely to occur. Some of the important industries in the city include:

• Food manufacturing and agricultural technology
• Financial technology or fintech
• Emerging technologies
• Life sciences
• Advanced manufacturing
• Transportation and logistics

These industries are supported by elements like:

• Local investors, like ARCH Venture Partners, who made 507 investments in Chicago
• The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), including the UIC Law IP Patent Clinic, which has helped many individuals secure patents, including eight patents in the past decade
• City-based economic initiatives that support innovative start-ups and small businesses
• Incubators and accelerators, which offer many resources for innovators
• Established company research and development branches

Understanding a Utility Patent

A utility patent protects the function of your invention, and is meant to apply to one of the following:

• A machine
• A process
• A manufactured article
• A composition of matter

These inventions are either something new or improved, and must be innovative, non-obvious, and useful. With utility patent protection, you have the right to prevent others in U.S. states and territories from using, making, selling, offering to sell, or importing your invention in the U.S. The protection lasts for 20 years from the date you filed your patent application, as long as you maintain the patent.

Utility patents also offer provisional patents, which allow you to get an earlier filing date while you draft the full application. Speeding up the process of filing a utility patent can be very helpful. 

The USPTO

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) reports that the average time from filing an application to receiving a final response is between 26.6 months and 43.1 months, as of August 2025. Utility patents are likely to take longer than other types of patents, because they are the most often-filed type of patent.

Resources for Chicago Innovators

There are several useful resources for visionaries looking to create and develop their inventions for patentability, including:

• USPTO resources. There is a USPTO Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) in the Chicago Public Library, in 4N7 on 400 S. State Street. PTRCs can provide you with essential information about patents and help you conduct patent searches.
• City resources. The Small Business Advocacy division, the Small Business Initiative (SBI) Construction Program, and many other city initiatives provide funding, mentorships, advice, and resources for small businesses.
• Accelerators and incubators. Organizations like 1871, MATTER Chicago, mHUB, and The Bronzeville Incubator help innovators secure networking and financing opportunities and grow a community.
• The UIC Office of Technology Management (OTM). The UIC OTM helps researchers and other innovators secure licensing agreements for patents and inventions, thereby facilitating the commercialization of these ideas.

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 Do I Apply for a Utility Patent in Chicago?

You can apply for a utility patent in Chicago by filing an application with the USPTO documenting your invention and paying the application fee. It’s crucial that this process is completed correctly, as waiting months to years may result in denial. When you hire a utility patent attorney in Chicago, they can help you file a strong patent application that considers the complexities of your industry and gives you the greatest chance of success.

What Happens if Someone Violates a Utility Patent in Chicago?

If someone violates a utility patent in Chalco, meaning they infringe on your rights to your invention, you can take legal action. A company or individual infringes on your rights when they use, sell, make, offer for sale, or import your invention in the U.S. without your permission. Legal action can hold that party accountable. An attorney can help you understand your rights and the potential legal actions available to you.

Can I File a Chicago Patent Myself?

While you can file a Chicago patent yourself, it’s not recommended, and it is less likely that you will see the results you want. An experienced Chicago patent attorney can help you review the patentability of your invention, conduct a thorough search for prior inventions, and help you create a robust application that is more likely to secure you patent protection. A local attorney can also connect you to important financial and other resources in your area.

What Happens After My Utility Patent Expires in Chicago?

When your utility patent expires in Chicago, it means you no longer have the rights to prevent others from using or selling your invention. There are methods to extend patent protection, but they are only available in specific circumstances. When you work with an attorney, they can help you consider the benefits and drawbacks of different types of intellectual property protection and what is right for you, your immediate goals, and your long-term wishes.

Contact Bold Patents Today and Protect Your Invention

At Bold Patents, we can help you safeguard your invention with comprehensive utility patent legal services. Contact our firm today.

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

Principal Patent Attorney, Bold Patents