Cleveland, OH Patent Lawyer

A City of Innovation

Cleveland, Ohio, has been a city of innovation for a long time. This ranges from the invention of the Lifesavers in 1912 by Clarence A. Crane, intending to make a candy that wouldn’t melt in the summer, to improvements of early x-ray machines in 1896 by Dayton Clarence Miller. There are many other inventors throughout Cleveland:

• Charles Francis Brush, born in 1849, began determining how electricity could be used as lighting through an electric arc light. This was used for street lighting and in factories in Cleveland. Brush’s arc lights were used as the basis for Thomas Edison’s electric light.

  Brush also invented a new type of battery and a better type of electrical generator. He formed the Brush Electric Company in 1880, a company that was responsible for developing the technology for the first electric streetcar.
• Garrett A. Morgan moved to Cleveland in 1895 and created a safety helmet in 1912, which he patented two years later. This helmet was used to protect an individual from inhaling smoke used to conduct search and rescue in tunnels below Lake Erie. This was the first gas mask. Morgan also created the first traffic light in 1923, which used a third caution signal.
• Maria Telkes emigrated in 1925 and worked for the Cleveland Clinic Foundation as a biophysicist. Throughout her career, Telkes invented the first solar oven and the first solar heating system, and she contributed to the development of a water distilling system for seawater using solar power.

Protecting Your Invention With a Patent

The attorneys at Bold Patents bring you dedicated legal representation, giving you actionable information regarding your invention and its patentability. We can help you determine what types of IP protection most effectively support your business goals and your personal financial future in the short and long term. Our team has years of experience helping visionaries draft patent applications to provide a better chance of securing important protections.

The Basics of a U.S. Patent

You can get a patent through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and it gives you the right to prevent other entities and individuals from using, making, selling, offering to sell, or importing your invention in U.S. states and territories. If another party engages in these actions, you can take legal action against them. There are three types of patents:

• Utility patents. This is the most commonly applied-for and granted type of patent. It applies to inventions of a new process, article of manufacturer, composed matter, or machine. The patent protects the function of your invention.
• Design patents. This applies to the innovative and ornamental appearance of a manufacturer’s article. This includes the shape or design of the article or both. Design patents protect the appearance of your invention.
• Plant patents. This applies to a new plant variety. This includes the invention or discovery of a plant that was asexually reproduced. It does not apply to uncultivated plants found in the wild. It also does not include tuber-propagated plants. Plant patents give patent-holders additional rights to the parts of the plant, including its flowers or fruits.

An invention may be eligible for both a design and a utility patent. When this happens, you want to determine which is more important for your business and financial goals. In some cases, you can apply for both.

In addition to meeting the definition for one of the types of patents, your invention must meet the basic requirements of a patent. This includes:

1. It is usable.
2. It is novel and innovative.
3. It is non-obvious and non-derivative.
4. There is a clear description of its creation and use.

An attorney can help you determine the patentability of your invention, including determining if there are other inventions existing of which it is a derivative.

Cleveland’s Economic Landscape

Cleveland has long been a powerhouse of economic growth, from its long history of manufacturing to its innovation in healthcare, technology development, and financial services. The city continues to attract businesses and entrepreneurs hoping to capitalize on these thriving industries.

Intellectual property protection plays a critical role in sustaining success in business, especially in such an innovation-driven environment. Patents can safeguard competitive advantages, such as manufacturing processes, medical devices and treatments, and technological advancements. The following represent five key industries currently thriving in Cleveland:

• Healthcare and life sciences. Cleveland is a global leader in the healthcare sector, powered by institutions like the Cleveland Clinic – consistently ranked among the world’s top hospitals – and University Hospitals. In addition to employing tens of thousands, this industry attracts cutting-edge research, clinical trials, and biotech startups.
• Advanced manufacturing. Rooted in its Rust Belt heritage, Cleveland continues to transform its manufacturing base, establishing itself as a hub for advanced techniques. Companies like Lincoln Electric have pioneered innovations in welding and automation, while the steel industry supports nationwide infrastructure projects. This sector also benefits from a close proximity to major transportation networks.
• Financial services. Keycorp, one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, anchors Cleveland’s financial landscape. However, bolstered by a business-friendly environment and an economic security that goes back to the beginning of the industrial boom, ­the city hosts insurance firms, investment groups, and fintech startups, as well.
• Information technology. The IT sector in Cleveland is on the rise, with companies like Hyland Software leading the charge in content management and cloud-based solutions. The city draws both talent and investment with its appeal as a cost-effective alternative to coastal tech hubs, with local university partnerships fueling a growing tech ecosystem and a surge in startups.
• Food processing. Located near the Midwest’s agricultural heartland, Cleveland’s food industry is thriving. With brands like Nestlé maintaining significant operations in the area, major players in the industry process everything from baked goods to packaged snacks. The sector contributes to Cleveland’s reputation as a culinary destination and restaurant hot-spot, all while supporting local farmers.

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 Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer to File a Patent?

The cost of hiring a lawyer to file a patent depends on several specifics. Legal representation to draft and file a patent may be charged as a flat fee or an hourly fee, depending on the complexity of your invention and the time the process is likely to take. Fees are also dependent on the attorney’s skill, education, and experience in the field. Always review an attorney’s past work and licensure and discuss potential attorney’s fees beforehand.

What Is the Difference Between a Patent Lawyer and an IP Lawyer?

The main difference between a patent lawyer and an IP (intellectual property) lawyer is the broadness of their practice. An IP lawyer has more broad knowledge about IP protection but may not have specific knowledge relating to patents. IP lawyers are also not always registered to work with the USPTO.

Patent lawyers have in-depth knowledge of patents and patent applications and should be licensed with the USPTO. Patent lawyers may have less knowledge about other types of IP protection.

Do You Need a Patent Lawyer to Get a Patent?

While it is not required that you have a lawyer to get a patent, it is highly encouraged and beneficial to you. Applying for a patent is a complex process. You must gather all the right documents, understand the guidelines that apply to the type of patent for which you are applying, and respond quickly to requests from the USPTO. This process is much more manageable with a skilled patent lawyer who has navigated it before and may be more successful.

How Long Does It Take an Attorney to File a Patent?

How long it takes for an attorney to file a patent depends on how much information needs to be gathered to properly document your invention. More complex inventions may require more technical methods of documentation, which require specific resources.

It is important to work with an attorney who maintains communication with you and ensures you are aware of the likely timeline of filing your patent. Once the patent is filed, the amount of time it takes to be processed can vary depending on several factors.

Work With Bold Patents Law Firm

If you have a bold invention in Cleveland, you need bold legal representation. Contact Bold Patents today.

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

Principal Patent Attorney, Bold Patents