Los Angeles Patent Lawyer

Los Angeles Community!

Identify, Protect, and Enforce Your Patent Rights!

For decades, Los Angeles has been considered the capitol of entertainment in the world, and with that comes a need for the protection of intellectual property.

As a trusted patent law firm in Los Angeles, Bold Patents stands ready to help you conduct a thorough market and patentability search for your idea covering your competitors in California, across the country, and the world for that matter.

Southern California has a rich history as a hub for creative ideas and imaginative thinking. In fact, several well-known products and household names were invented in the Los Angeles area. The iconic Barbie Doll, Mickey Mouse, electric guitars, lasers, nicotine patches, and skateboards all once started as ideas in the minds of southern Californians!

The space shuttle, the Mars rover, modern theme parks, the gay rights movement, gangster rap, and even the Internet all exist today because a Californian had an idea that he or she thought just might turn into something. And, when it comes to food and beverages, Los Angeles-area creators brought us the concept of fast food, the California roll, fortune cookies, and the Shirley Temple.

Working with the creative minds of Los Angeles to file provisional and nonprovisional patent applications has helped us learn more about the technology and culture there, and as a result, we are able to offer unparalleled expertise in the market.

We understand the competitiveness of LA, and the difficulties of growing a business in the area. That is why we exist: we want to take the headache out of the legal work so you can focus on creativity and growth.

World Class Patent Attorneys Serving Los Angeles, CA

At Bold Patents, we bring years of experience in the intellectual property field, and we find it a privilege to serve the creative minds of Los Angeles.

We care about more than just your intellectual property; we want to know about you, your company, and the big picture.

When we know more about you, our and patent attorneys in Los Angeles, California are better able to help you with your intellectual property and impact your profits.

Feel free to contact us with your questions and let us see what we can do to help your bold idea.

L.A. Patent Lawyer Services

A patent attorney in Los Angeles can provide a variety of services designed to help inventors:

• Patentability opinions: You can only obtain patent protection for an invention that is deemed to be both “novel,” meaning it has at least one feature not shown in any prior art, and “non-obvious,” which means it is not simply a combination of prior inventions or a variation on prior art. When you choose to work with Bold Patents, a patent attorney in L.A. can help confirm that your idea or invention is patentable.
• Patent application drafting: If your L.A. patent attorney believes your idea is patentable, the next step is drafting and filing a patent application with claims tailored to your invention’s patentable elements or features. After filing your patent application, your attorney will continue to work closely with you as the application makes its way through various steps on its way to patent issuance.
• Infringement services: If you have been accused of infringing on a competitor’s patent, or you believe someone else is infringing on your patent rights, your patent attorney can help you protect and enforce your rights.

Patent Basics in Los Angeles

A patent allows you, as an inventor, the right to prevent others from profiting off of or using your idea. It only works within the confines of the U.S., but it enables you to take legal action against any person or party that infringes on the patent. Certain types of patents also provide other rights. However, no patent gives the inventor the right to sell or import their invention.

There are three patents that you can secure with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO):

1. Utility Patents: When you file for a utility patent, you can get protection for the invention of a new process, machine, composition of matter, or item of manufacture. You can also protect an improvement to one of these things. These patents protect the function of the invention.
2. Design Patents: Design patents protect the appearance of an invention. They are filed for the creation of a new, ornamental design for a manufactured item.
3. Plant Patents: This patent covers new forms of plants. You can file for this type of patent if you invent, discover, or asexually reproduce a new type of plant.

These patents last for a set amount of time, at which point the rights provided by the patent no longer exist. Depending on the type of patent, it may last from 15 to 20 years.

A patent attorney can help you determine the benefits and costs of filing for a patent versus other forms of intellectual property protection. Patents are expensive, and it’s important to file for them correctly and to know what benefits you can secure with a patent. An attorney helps you avoid filing mistakes and can answer any questions you have.

What Qualifies as a Patent?

The USPTO definition of an invention that can be patented includes the following criteria:

1. It can be used and is not theoretical.
2. There is a clear method and description of making and using the invention.
3. It is new and has not been previously created.
4. It is not obvious and is not an obvious alteration to an existing invention.

It can be exciting to create a new invention, but it can be frustrating to deal with the complicated and expensive process of searching for similar patents and determining if your invention qualifies for a patent. At Bold Patents, we want to help you make this process easier and secure the right to your creation.

Patents in California Industries

Many different industries and individuals in Los Angeles and California file patents to prevent others from using their inventions. In 2019, California had the greatest number of patents granted and had the second highest of patents per 1,000 residents. The innovative minds in Los Angeles and California have long worked across various industries to move their ideas into the world.

In California between 2008 and 2012, 127,420 utility patents were granted. The industry with the greatest number of utility patents granted was the computer and electronic products industries, with 87,246 patents. In that industry during that time period, there were:

• 29,947 computer and peripheral equipment utility patents granted
• 19,644 communications equipment patents
• 19,100 semiconductors and electronic components patents
• 13,953 navigation, measurement, electromedical, and control industry patents
• 4,603 other computer and electronic product patents

There were 10,498 chemical patents during that time period, including 4,865 pharmaceutical and medicine product patents. There were 9,161 miscellaneous manufacturing patents, 5,131 of which were medical supplies and equipment patents. Other large industries for creating utility patents included machinery industries, electrical equipment and components industries, and fabricated metal industries.

While corporate industries have the resources to secure a number of patents, anyone has the ability to file for a patent and begin making a living off of their idea. When you have an idea for an invention, you can make it a reality with the help of a patent attorney.

FAQs:

How Do You File a Patent in Los Angeles?

You file a patent in Los Angeles by filing an application for a patent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). There should be a regional USPTO. In order to begin the process of filing for a patent, you should:

1. Determine the type of patent you are applying for
2. Ensure your invention or creation qualifies for a patent
3. Conduct a patent search to determine if your idea infringes on other patents
4. Gather documentation of your idea to file your application
5. File the application with the USPTO and pay the filing fees

How Much Does It Cost to Patent an Idea in California?

The cost to patent an idea in California varies, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Offices (USPTO) filing fees range from $44 to $320 for a basic application filing. The fees you pay to the USPTO depend on the type of patent you are requesting, the number of claims you are submitting, and whether the fees can be reduced under small or micro entity status. The amount you pay for a patent will also depend on whether you are hiring legal counsel.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Patent an Idea in Los Angeles?

You do not need a lawyer to patent an idea in Los Angeles, although it is generally recommended to have the assistance of legal counsel, such as a patent attorney. The process can be complicated and costly, and you may be able to avoid some of these costs by having the advice and review of an attorney. A patent lawyer can help you file an accurate and complete application and protect your rights and interests during the proceedings.

What Cannot Be Patented?

There are some things that cannot be patented according to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office requirements, including:

1. Laws of nature
2. Abstract ideas or suggestions
3. Physical phenomena

A valid patent must be for an invention or idea that can be used, has a clear description, is not something that has already been created, and is not obvious. There are other restrictions on what can be patented, such as inventions related to nuclear or atomic energy.

Selecting an L.A. Patent Lawyer

There is no shortage of law firms in Los Angeles. What makes Bold Patents different from the rest? Simply put, we are client-focused. It is our commitment to helping clients by taking a strategic approach to patents and trademarks that has earned us a reputation as a trusted IP attorney in Los Angeles.

We cultivate close relationships with the inventors and other creative minds with whom we work. That includes maintaining clear communication throughout the patent and trademark process.

To schedule a complimentary Discovery Call to talk about your business’s intellectual property and your goals, contact us today. Please understand that the information provided on this website is general in nature and is not intended as legal guidance or specific advice. Each situation is different, and readers are cautioned not to act or fail to take action based on the information contained herein. Reading this website does not create an attorney-client relationship with Bold Patents.

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

Principal Patent Attorney, Bold Patents