Columbus, OH Patent Attorney

Columbus, Ohio, is no stranger to creations that spur chains and franchises. Columbus is home to the first location of both Wendy’s and Buffalo Wild Wings. Wendy’s opened first in 1969 on East Broad Street, and Buffalo Wild Wings opened in 1982 on the Ohio State University campus. The first Red Roof Inn was also opened in 1973 in Grove City. These chains began as small businesses opened by visionaries based in Columbus, just like you.

Columbus is also known as the birthplace of Granville T. Woods, a prolific inventor born in the city in 1856. He established more than 50 patents during his lifetime, including a steam boiler furnace, automatic railroad brakes, a telegraphone, which combined a telephone and telegraph, railroad electric conduction lines, light safety dimmers, and several other creations.

Another crucial patent of Woods was the Synchronous Multiplex Railway Telegraph, a new form of telegraph communication, which allowed its use on moving trains. Woods had to prove that the patent was his after another inventor claimed the telegraph. Later, Thomas Edison also attempted to claim the invention based on a similar device he created. Woods was able to prove and maintain his patent.

When you create something, you should document and protect it. The right intellectual property & trademark attorney can help with this process.

Finding the Right Columbus Patent Attorneys

At Bold Patents, we can provide specific and actionable advice about your invention, including whether it is patentable and the benefits of other types of IP protection. Our team has years of experience applying for and securing patents, and we can help you do so quickly and accurately. Our support can bring you the greatest chance at successfully obtaining a patent for your invention. When you make a bold invention, you need bold legal support.

How Does a Patent Protect My Invention?

A patent obtained through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provides you with certain rights to your invention in U.S. states and territories. A patent does not give you sole selling rights. Instead, you have the right to prohibit other parties from making, using, selling, or offering to sell your invention or importing your invention to the U.S. If these rights are infringed on, you can take legal action against the individual or entity.

Anyone can successfully file for a patent if their invention meets the proper definition. This includes small business owners and independent inventors alike. While large corporations have substantial resources to secure patents, individuals can also secure a patent on something they create.

Who Can File a Patent?

An inventor or their legal representative is allowed to file a patent for their invention. There are some exceptions to this, such as if there are multiple inventors. When this is the case, the individuals can file together as co-inventors. The inventor can also assign an invention to a company or individual, and that party can file for a patent. This also applies if the inventor is contractually obligated to assign the invention to the party.

In any other situation, parties who are not the inventor can only file for a patent in the following situations:

1. The original inventor is dead
2. They are legally incapacitated
3. They refuse to apply for the patent
4. They can’t be found

A person cannot be named the inventor or co-inventor on a patent application just because they contributed financially to the creation of the invention or to the inventor. A person who only contributes financially also cannot file for a patent unless one of the aforementioned circumstances applies.