Detroit, MI Patent Lawyer

Innovation in Detroit

Detroit, Michigan, is well-known as the birthplace of the revolutionized auto industry, resulting from Henry Ford employing a conveyor belt in the assembly line at the Ford Motor Company. However, this is far from the only invention or innovation the city has produced. This innovative and dynamic city has defined numerous industries, from music to computers.

Vernor’s ginger ale began in Detroit in 1886 and still remains popular today. Detroit is also where Motown music originated in the 1960s. Barry Gordy, a former autoworker, received an inadequate payment for a song he wrote from a record company and so chose to launch a record label of his own.

His record label created the Motown sound, popularizing Detroit artists such as Diana Ross & the Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5, the Temptations, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Mary Wells, and the Commodores.

There are many other inventors born or settled in Detroit. John T. Parsons, born in Detroit, was a computer pioneer who invented numerical control. This formula was used in the design of helicopter blades and other structural designs.

Elijah McCoy invented the automatic lubricating oil cup, patenting it in 1872. This invention meant that steam engines on the railroad could be lubricated without requiring stopping the train.

Joseph N. Blair, owner of Detroit’s West End Hotel, innovated anti-aircraft guns, submarines, mouse traps, interlocking blocks for construction, and reversible window panes for ease of cleaning.

What Is a Patent?

Anyone can file for a patent, including individuals, small businesses, and large companies. In order for an invention to qualify for a patent, it must fit one of the three types of patents: utility, design, or plant. All three of these patent types must meet these minimum requirements:

1. The invention can be used and is not only theoretical.
2. It is novel and has not been invented before.
3. It is non-obvious, meaning it is not an obvious creation, nor is it an obvious change to a prior invention.
4. There is a description included of how to make and use the invention.

If a patent is issued to you by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), then you have the right to prevent other parties from using, making, or selling your invention. These rights are not automatic, nor do you have sole rights to sell your invention. Instead, you must take legal action if another entity infringes on your rights.

What Can’t Be Patented?

There are limitations on the patentability of an invention. You cannot patent:

1. Laws of nature
2. Abstract concepts
3. Ideas and suggestions
4. A physical phenomenon
5. Inventions used only for nuclear material
6. Inventions used only for atomic energy used in atomic weapons

If you are unsure whether your invention is patentable, a knowledgeable attorney can review your creation to determine what types of IP protection might apply.

How Long Do Patents Protect Your Invention?

Patents protect your invention for up to 15 to 20 years, depending on the type of patent. Design patents last for up to 15 years from the date the patent was granted. Plant patents and utility patents last for up to 20 years, starting from the date the first non-provisional patent application was filed with the USPTO. Utility patents also have maintenance fees that must be paid, or the patent will expire before the 20-year limit.

Detroit’s Innovative Economy

Renowned for its automotive heritage, Detroit has long been a beacon of industrial ingenuity. Today, it’s economy flashes across the dynamic range of sectors, with excellence in technology, healthcare, and beyond. This creates a fertile ground for businesses looking to innovate and safeguard their intellectual property. Securing patents is essential for entrepreneurs and companies aiming to protect their groundbreaking ideas in today’s competitive landscape.

At Bold Patents, we empower innovators all across Detroit by providing the legal backbone they need to develop, expand, and lead in their respective industries. Below are a few of the key industries fueling growth:

• Automotive and mobility. Hosting giants such as general motors, Ford, and Stellantis – formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles – Detroit retains its crown as the heart of the global automotive industry. However, the rise of electric vehicles, self-driving systems, and smart mobility makes securing patents for cutting-edge automotive tech, battery breakthroughs, and AI-powered transport solutions more important than ever.
• Health care and life sciences. Healthcare thrives as one of Detroit’s top employment sectors, boasting world-class hospitals, research hubs, and biotech startups. Detroit Medical Center, Henry Ford health system, and other leaders are at the forefront of biomedical engineering, medical devices, and telehealth innovations. Patents are key to fostering both investment and compliance in this field.
• Information technology. Companies like Rocket Mortgage and Compuware have helped propel Detroit into excellence in the cybersecurity, cloud computing, and fintech spaces. However, protecting these advancements with software patents and trademarks is vital for staying ahead.
• Advanced manufacturing. Detroit’s manufacturing sector has gone beyond merely automotives and has expanded into aerospace, defense, and precision engineering. More than 257,000 jobs were in manufacturing in Detroit in the Regional Chamber’s 2025 report. Innovations such as automation, robotics, and additive manufacturing have been transforming the industry.
• Transportation, distribution, and logistics (TDL). Detroit’s prime location puts it near key trade borders, opening the door to transportation and logistics. Many of the companies here are setting new benchmarks with innovations like smart supply chains, automated warehousing, and real-time tracking of freight and delivery systems.

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.

Important Elements Supporting Detroit Innovators and Industries

There are many organizations, initiatives, and businesses that provide support and information for inventors and start-ups, and also fuel the key industries that make up the city. This includes:

• University of Michigan-Dearborn (UM-Dearborn). UM-Dearborn brings many innovators and visionaries to the suburbs of Detroit and into the city, providing them with research and development resources.
• Wayne State University Office for Technology Commercialization (WSU OTC). The WSU OTC helps students, faculty, and researchers get the resources they need to develop and refine their inventions and secure licensing agreements to commercialize those inventions. WSU has had more than 550 intellectual properties disclosed.
• City-based initiatives. Detroit initiatives and programs, such as the Detroit Legacy Business Project, aim to provide support and funding for small businesses in the city, furthering innovation.
• Local incubators and accelerators. These organizations provide resources like coworking spaces, networking opportunities, mentorships, and investment options. Local organizations include TechTown Business Incubation Center and FEAST Detroit. There are also Detroit Regional Chamber-recommended organizations like The Build Institute, Detroit Means Business, and Hatch Detroit.
• USPTO locations. The region’s USPTO office is located right in Detroit. The Midwest Elijiah J. McCoy Regional Office can be found at 300 River Place Drive. There is also a USPTO Patent and Trademark Resource Center in the Detroit Public Library on 5201 Woodward Avenue. These resources offer innovators a platform to research patentable inventions, conduct patent searches, and find answers to their questions.

Detroit’s innovation and industries significantly impact the patent filing environment and make it especially important that you protect your advancements in the city’s key sectors. When you hire a patent lawyer, they can help you navigate these resources and other important areas of the industry landscape. A local attorney understands both the industries of the area and the local resources that can most benefit you and your invention.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Patent in Detroit?

Every patent is different, but the average time the USPTO has reported that as of August 2025 it takes to get a patent is between 26.6 months and 43.1 months from the time you file your application to a final answer. This range accounts for patents that do not or do have Requests for Continued Examination (RCEs). Filing an RCE can lengthen the process.

A skilled patent attorney can review the specific complexity of your invention to help you determine how long it may take. An attorney can also help you draft a strong application that increases your chances of success.

Why Choose Bold Patents for Your Detroit Patent?

At Bold Patents, our team has decades of experience navigating patent law, and we understand the complex industries that make up Detroit’s landscape. From the automotive industry to life sciences and information technology, our firm has a history of successful patents in technically complex fields. We have the knowledge and resources needed to help you secure resources to refine your invention and to document that invention properly for your patent application.

Bold Patents has been proud to serve innovators in Detroit and offer legal guidance in each step of the patent process. We understand the USPTO examination of patents and how these laws impact inventors like you. Our goal is to bring you unparalleled and tailored legal services.

FAQs

What Is the Average Cost to Work With a Lawyer to Patent an Idea in Detroit?

The average cost to work with a lawyer to patent an idea depends on several variables. Preparing and filing a patent application could be charged on a flat fee or an hourly fee basis, depending on the attorney you work with and how complex your patentable invention is. It is always important to talk with an attorney about their fees upfront. A more experienced patent attorney is more likely to have higher fees.

How Do I Choose a Detroit, MI Patent Attorney?

In order to choose a patent attorney in Detroit, MI, you want to review their qualifications, their experience, and their past casework. It is important that they are licensed with the USPTO and that they have prior success in drafting, filing, and maintaining patents and patent portfolios for their clients.

When you have established an attorney’s basic qualifications and abilities, meet with them. You want to ensure you feel comfortable with them and that you can trust them with your invention.

How Much Money Do You Need to Ask for a Patent in Detroit?

The cost of filing for a patent relies on the type of patent you are obtaining and whether you qualify for any reduced fees as an individual or small business inventor. The USPTO fees for filing an application vary from $48 to $300. To conduct a patent search, the fees are between $60 and $770. The patent examination fee is between $140 and $880. Once you are granted a patent, there is an issue fee between $181 and $1,300.

Can I File a Patent Myself in Detroit, MI?

It is possible to file a patent yourself in Detroit, MI, although it is much easier to work with an experienced attorney.

Filing a patent with the USPTO requires significant documentation of your invention, and more complex inventions often need more complex and technical documentation. An attorney has substantial resources, including those needed for documentation. An attorney can also provide you with patent opinions, as well as advice on the use of other types of IP protection.

Working With Experienced Professionals at Bold Patents Law Firm

The team at Bold Patents can help with each step of the patent process, including conducting a patent search, filing your application, maintaining a patent, licensing your invention, and upholding your patent rights. Contact our firm today to learn how we can help.

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

Principal Patent Attorney, Bold Patents