Milwaukee, WI Patent Lawyer

Advancements in Milwaukee

Milwaukee has been home to numerous advancements. In 1868, Christopher Latham Sholes received a patent for his invention of the typewriter. This was the first typewriter, which was eventually made for sale in 1873 after Sholes sold his patent rights to the Remington Company. The typewriter that was sold used the QWERTY keyboard, which was also included in Sholes’s patent application. This keyboard is the version that we still use today.

There have been several other Milwaukee inventions. In 1904, the first steel frames for automobiles were developed in Milwaukee by Arther Oliver Smith through the organization of A.O. Smith Co. Joseph Zimmerman invented the telephone answering machine in Milwaukee, which he patented in 1949. Alfred Lawson made contributions to aviation, establishing the Lawson Airplane Company in Milwaukee in the 1920s.

Milwaukee is also home to more recent advancements. From 1986 to 1989, Phillip Katz created and improved the ZIP format for data compression, making the transfer of programs easier. In 1987, Micheal Dhuey co-invented the Macintosh II. Dhuey was also one of the two engineers developing the first iPod that launched in 2001.

Bold Patents: Bring You Bold Solutions in Milwaukee

At Bold Patents, we have worked for years in intellectual property protection, including the entire process of securing a patent. We can help you review your invention, determine what IP protection it qualifies for, and then review the benefits and drawbacks of those different protections. If a patent meets your present and future goals, we can help you document your idea, conduct a patent and art search, and file your application.

Whether you are working on a start-up, own a small business, or are an independent inventor, Bold Patents wants to help entrepreneurs and visionaries like you protect your ideas.

How Does a Patent Protect My Invention?

When you successfully secure a patent in the U.S., you secure the right to prevent other entities from doing any of the following with your patented invention:

• Making
• Using
• Selling
• Offering for sale
• Importing to the U.S

These rights are not automatic, which means you must take action to enforce them. They apply within all the U.S. states and territories. If an individual, company, or other party infringes on the rights you hold, then you can file against them.

Who Can Apply for a Patent for an Invention?

In most cases, only the inventor or their legal representative can file an application for patenting an invention. Co-inventors can also apply for a patent if they make the invention together. If an inventor has assigned the invention or is contractually obligated to assign the invention to another party, such as a company, this is an exception to the rule.

Aside from this exception, the only time non-inventors can file a patent application for an invention is if the inventor is dead, legally incapacitated, cannot be found, or refuses to apply for a patent.

Someone could not be named a co-inventor or inventor when applying for a patent if they paid money to support the inventor of the invention. One of the prior unique circumstances must apply for a financial contributor to apply for a patent. Employees of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) cannot apply for a patent, nor can they own a patent unless they inherit it.

Key Industries Currently Thriving in Milwaukee

As Milwaukee’s industries continue to evolve, companies must work to keep their competitive advantages by protecting their innovations, brands, and proprietary technologies and processes. By taking advantage of patent protections, businesses in manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, IT, and tourism can secure their place in the market.

Manufacturing

With legacy companies like Harley-Davidson, Milwaukee Tool, Johnson Controls, and Rockwell Automation leading the way, Milwaukee’s manufacturing sector continues to thrive. In this space, patents help secure advancements in robotics, smart factory technology, and tool designs, keeping Milwaukee businesses at the forefront of innovation.

Healthcare

Milwaukee is home to Froedtert Hospital, Aurora Health Care, and Medical College of Wisconsin, all leaders in biotech and research. Additionally, GE Healthcare and Epic Systems – two big players in imaging and health IT – demonstrate the opportunity for sector patents in medical devices, biotech therapies, and AI diagnostics.

Agriculture

Wisconsin is well-known as “America’s Dairyland,” with a legacy as a top producer of milk and butter and leading the nation in cheese production. However, the state also contributes greatly to the overall production of other goods, such as cranberries, ginseng, and even snap beans. Initiatives like Growing Power and the Milwaukee Urban Agriculture Network have helped expand the city’s urban agriculture movement and bolster sustainable food production efforts. Patents protect agricultural machinery, precision farming technology, and sustainable practices.

Information Technology

With cybersecurity, SaaS (Software as a Service), and AI-driven solutions all contributing to the growing startup ecosystem in Milwaukee, the city’s IT sector is seeing rapid expansion. Companies like Fiserv, which provides digital banking and transaction processing, and Rockwell Automation are pioneering innovations in financial technology and industrial automation software.

Tourism

Milwaukee’s tourism industry is a key economic driver, with regular visitors to the Lake Michigan’s waterfront, the Harley-Davidson Museum, the Milwaukee Art Museum, and Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival. This sector continues to present opportunities for innovations in travel technology, event management software, and other hospitality services.

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

Do Patent Lawyers Argue in Court?

Patent lawyers may argue in court if they are patent litigation lawyers. Litigation is necessary if another individual or entity is selling your invention or otherwise infringing on your rights, and out-of-court solutions have not worked. Not all patent attorneys practice litigation, so if your patent rights have been infringed upon, it is important that you work with an attorney who knows how to navigate these cases, both in and out of court.

How Do I Choose a Patent Attorney?

To choose a patent attorney that is right for you, it is crucial to review their experience, qualifications, reputation, and education. This may include looking at the success of their past cases, reading reviews and testimonials, and confirming their credentials with the bar association and the USPTO. You can also discuss with past clients and other legal professionals to determine their professional reputation.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get a Patent?

The cheapest way to get a patent is to qualify to file as a micro entity, which allows you to pay 80% less than the typical USPTO fee. The fee to file an application for a patent is typically between $240 and $350. However, if you qualify as a micro entity, the fees are between $48 and $70. You may be able to file with micro entity status if you have limited income and rarely file for patents.

Can I Sell My Invention Idea Without a Patent?

Yes, you can sell your invention idea without a patent, but you must take other additional steps, or you risk losing control over who uses the invention. If you pitch your invention to a company, they may decline to purchase it but still proceed to develop and sell it themselves. Getting a patent allows you to take legal action if this happens. Getting a patent also adds value to your idea by proving it is novel.

Working With Professional Support and Resources

There are numerous requirements an invention must meet in order to qualify for a patent. At Bold Patents, we have helped visionaries apply for patents with the USPTO for years. We understand the importance of protecting your invention and want to focus our knowledge and resources toward your goals. Contact Bold Patents Law Firm today to see how you can protect your innovations.

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

Principal Patent Attorney, Bold Patents