Kansas City, MO Patent Attorney
For years, Kansas City has been a center of innovation, with inventors and entrepreneurs working to build businesses and grow the impressive and thriving ecosystem of the city’s economy. Individuals, as well as businesses of all industries and sizes, seek patent protection for their bold creations that provide them with a competitive edge. A Kansas City, MO, patent lawyer can help you secure patent protection whether you are an independent inventor or a business owner.
The entrepreneurial industry in Kansas City ranges from agriculture and manufacturing companies to new-tech start-ups. Patent protection has benefits for individual innovators, the founders of cutting-edge start-ups, and established corporations. An intellectual property & trademark portfolio helps you, no matter your background. It can give you the ability to protect your ideas and benefit from bringing your invention to the city’s ever-growing market.
Hire a Patent Attorney in Kansas City
Bold Patents has years of experience in patent laws. We understand the many complex industries that make up Kansas City’s innovative landscape, and we help people like you navigate patent protection. Safeguarding your intellectual property is crucial to maintaining an edge in the market. These laws and how they affect emerging technologies can be uncertain, and you need dedicated legal guidance during this process.
Historical Innovations in Kansas City, MO
Kansas City inventors have a long history of changing the market. George C. Hale, a fire chief in Kansas City, registered over 60 patents for firefighting equipment, including wire cutters, door openers, hose nozzles, and telephone fire alarms, revolutionizing firefighting.
Forest Gill created the bumper sticker in the mid-1940s, and Bob Bernstein developed McDonald’s Happy Meal design in 1977. Both men lived in Kansas City.
Stanley Durwood designed what is believed to be the first multiplex theater in 1963, located right in KC. This theater and company later developed into AMC Theaters.
When you create a bold invention in Kansas City, you need to protect it.
Why Kansas City Remains a Growing Innovation Hub
Kansas City is uniquely positioned to be an ideal location for entrepreneurs and visionaries. It is in the center of the country, which gives it access to both coasts and a key location as the intersection of four major national interstate highways. The city also benefits from a strong economic position based on a thriving innovation scene and a backbone of manufacturing infrastructure.
The city’s position and collaborative innovation are spurred by key industries such as:
- Transportation, distribution, and logistics
- Manufacturing and engineering
- Bioscience and healthcare
- Emerging technologies
There are many organizations, companies, and initiatives that support these and other industries, like:
- Cutting-edge high-tech and engineering industries
- Kansas City SmartPort & logistics tech. The city leads logistics and supply chain technology and innovation, benefiting from its strategic geographic location and its existing robust transportation systems.
- Cybersecurity and IT (information technology). Kansas City boasts cybersecurity firms like Fishtech Group and many government-supported cybersecurity initiatives. The city promotes tech security solutions and new innovations in the field.
- AI (artificial intelligence) and automation. New advancements and innovations in robotics, AI, and automation push this field further. This innovation is being pushed by varying sizes of businesses, from small tech start-ups to corporate research centers.
- Life sciences and healthcare innovation industries
-
- BioNexus KC. This is a nonprofit that fosters and supports growth in life sciences, biotech, and medical technology in new start-ups and for independent inventors.
-
- Children’s Mercy Research Institute. Located in KC, this institute innovates and implements pediatric medical innovations.
-
- Animal Health Corridor. This is the world’s largest collection of animal health industry companies, and it is anchored in KC. The Animal Health Corridor hosts companies like Bayer Animal Health and Boehringer Ingelheim.
- Advanced manufacturing and AgTech (agricultural technology) industries
-
- Aviation and aerospace. The city is home to numerous engineering firms and supply chain manufacturers like HOK, JE Dunn Construction Company, BNIM Architects, and Black & Veatch. These companies support and grow the aviation and aerospace industries.
-
- AgTech and precision farming. Smart agricultural technology creates new advancements and solutions in the farming industry and is spearheaded by firms like Farmobile and Climate Corp.
-
- Food science and processing. There are several companies located in KC that innovate the food industry and processing, including Dairy Farmers of America and National Beef Packing Company.
- Creative and consumer product innovation industries
-
- Sporting equipment and wearables. KC boasts a strong sports culture and designs for sports gear, and wearables continue to be innovative and high-performance.
-
- Music and entertainment tech. This industry includes advancements in digital media and audio engineering and is developed further by music tech start-ups.
-
- E-commerce and retail tech. Digital payment options and e-commerce continue to grow under the guidance of start-ups in the city, like BacklotCars and PayIt.
Understanding these industries and what pushes them forward is important for inventors. Advancements in the field can affect an invention you are making, and change the landscape of patents.
Education and Growth: Key Universities, Incubators, and Start-Up Hubs in Kansas City
The fundamental support for a growing and innovative industry is its educational centers and collections of like-minded individuals. These spaces foster further learning and interest in entrepreneurial endeavors.
Some of the top universities that drive innovation include:
- University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), with engineering and medical research programs, is the basis for the Bloch Venture Hub
- Kansas State University (K-State), which has programs focused on AgTech, biosciences, and veterinary medicine
- University of Kansas (KU), with research and development in areas like biotech, engineering, and pharmaceuticals
- Missouri University of Science & Technology (Missouri S&T), with programs in applied engineering, material sciences, and energy tech
Entrepreneurial hubs and incubators include:
- Inventors Center of Kansas City (ICKC), which provides inventors and product developers with networks, resources, and tools to develop ideas into viable products. They offer educational forums and guidance to first-time inventors.
- Digital Sandbox KC, provides proof-of-concept resources to support early-stage commercialization processes, including access to technology, business, and market experts, as well as funding for early-stage market validation, prototyping, and beta testing services.
- LaunchKC, which invests over $1 million annually in high-growth startups. They offer $60,000 in funding, plus access to a host of support services.
- UMKC Innovation Center, which helps individuals turn their ideas and innovations into ventures that shape an economy of hope. They provide resources and support for technology commercialization, business expansion, and ecosystem development.
- Ennovation Center, which features a range of specialized facilities, including commercial kitchens and wet labs, to support various entrepreneurial ventures.
- KC Tech Council, which benefits and supports entrepreneurs in the IT and software sectors.
- BioNexus KC, which focuses on life science entrepreneurship.
- Enterprise Center in Johnson County (ECJC), which provides mentorships, funding, and spaces for collaboration for entrepreneurs.
- WeWork and Plexpod KC, both provide workspaces for entrepreneurs and flexible options for collaboration.
These are also frequently useful resources for entrepreneurs and inventors. These organizations and companies can help innovators like you get financial support, make connections with other innovators, and secure the research and facilities you need. When you hire a patent attorney local to Kansas City, they know these resources and can help you leverage the most from them.
What Can a Kansas City Patent Lawyer Do for You?
A Kansas City patent lawyer plays an essential part in securing a patent because the process of applying for and securing the patent can be very complex. Inventors and businesses can better protect their IP with the help of a patent attorney. Attorneys can help with:
- Patent research and prior art searches. A prior art search determines if your invention is novel by reviewing other patents and published inventions for similarity to yours.
- Patent application drafting. The application for your invention and how it is drafted are fundamental to the process you receive. An attorney can help file with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), outline the scope of the invention’s patent protection, and prepare illustrations and descriptions of the invention.
In 2025, there were over 1.2 million patents at different stages of the patent examination process, and nearly 792,000 of these were unexamined. The total patent application inventory was greater than it had been in the prior nine years.
- USPTO action responses. If there are objections or insufficient information in the patent application process, the USPTO will send an office action. An attorney helps applicants argue against objections and react quickly to continue the patent process.
- Patent infringement analysis and enforcement. If your patent is infringed on, your attorney can analyze the risks posed by the infringement, write cease-and-desist letters, and help individuals begin infringement litigation cases.
- Patent monetization and licensing. When you have patented your invention, an attorney can help you profit from it through licensing negotiations with companies, brokering to find investors, and IP portfolio management.
FAQs
How Much Does Filing a Patent Cost in Kansas City?
The cost of filing for a patent in Kansas City depends on the type of patent, the person filing it, and whether you work with an attorney. For example, filing an application can cost as high as $350 for a utility patent, but this fee can be reduced for small entities and micro entities to as low as $70. Design or plant patents can range from $48 to $300. Attorney fees can be costly, but they can also aid your success.
How Long Will It Take to Get a U.S. Patent?
On average, the USPTO reports that it takes 31.4 months from application to final response. This includes applications both with and without a Request for Continued Examination, which can lengthen the process. Typically, it takes an average of 22.5 months to receive a first office action. Many factors can change your timeline, such as the complexity of your invention and the type of patent you are filing for.
Can I File a Patent in Kansas City?
Yes, you can file a patent in Kansas City. Applications are filed with the USPTO, but you should ensure your invention meets the qualifications of a patent first. There is a USPTO Patent and Trademark Resource Center in the Linda Hall Library in the city, which can help you conduct a patent search and answer questions about the patent process.
What if Someone Else Has Already Published a Similar Patent?
If someone else has already published a similar patent, you will likely be unable to get a patent for your invention. Patents apply to new and novel ideas, and conducting a patent search for similar inventions is an essential first step to determine whether your invention is patentable. There may be some cases where you can still patent the invention, however. Your invention may be distinct and innovative enough that it is considered patentable.
Protecting Your Bold Inventions
At Bold Patents, we can help you support your business goals and manage your IP portfolio. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation and learn how to protect your financial future.
Bold Patents J.D. Houvener, Esq., MBA, P.E.
Principal Patent Attorney, Bold Patents
-
As Featured in:
What Others Have Said About Bold
Patents’ Law Firm!
My experience with the BOLD team has been fantastic every step of the way. I started not knowing anything about the process, and now I'm happy to say I'm two patents and counting with the BOLD team. They really make it easy. Thanks BOLD!
-Patrick Furlong
It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Bold Patents. They are extremely knowledgeable in their areas, prompt with their communications & responses, transparent & honest with their findings, break complex IP information into simple & understandable terms. Each & every member that I have interacted with has been...
-Hndle LLC Team
The Bold Patents team from day one maintained a feeling of support. BP definitely still provides “back in the day” customer service with a modern convenience. I never felt like I was just in a business deal. Even the fact that we are in different states had no effect on...
-Jessica Ramirez, Tolleson, AZ
Bold Patents gets the job done!!! They never left me out of the loop and they were there to answer any and every question I had. My patent attorney Houda is phenomenal. She took the extra step to get connected with my management advisory team and our progress skyrocketed. I’d...