Milwaukee Utility Patent Lawyer
When you create something new, like a new machine, process, or way of doing business, it is important that you protect your intellectual property. This is especially true of innovative industries in Milwaukee, like manufacturing, emerging technologies, and medical science. In these growing and competitive industries, you need to protect your market advantage. A Milwaukee, WI, utility patent attorney can provide that and more.
Bold Patents: Your Milwaukee Utility Patent Lawyer
When you hire a utility patent attorney, you want one who understands Milwaukee and how to obtain the right patents. At Bold Patents, we have secured patents in industries essential to the city, and we know how innovation in the area changes over time. We are always aware of the updates to patent law and can get you the most robust protection possible. Our firm has years of experience in patent protection and utility patent laws. We can assess your invention for the right IP protection.
Utility Patents in Milwaukee
A utility patent is a type of patent that protects your invention’s functional abilities. It can be applied to:
- A process
- A composition of matter
- A machine
- An article that is manufactured
In addition, an invention must meet the following requirements:
- Be novel or an improvement of something existing.
- Be non-obvious.
- Be useful.
- Not be theoretical.
- Have an explanation on how to make and use the invention.
With patent protection, you will have the right to prevent others in U.S. states and territories from making, using, selling, or offering to sell your invention.
Essential Industries in Milwaukee
When you are an inventor, being aware of growing industries is crucial, as this is where the most change and innovation is occurring. Key industries in Milwaukee include:
- Mechanical and advanced manufacturing
- Energy and power technologies
- Medical technologies
- Financial services
- Water technology
These industries are benefited by companies, organizations, and other parties, such as:
- Local investors, like Baird Capital, with 178 investments in the city, which provide financial support to start-ups, local infrastructure, entrepreneurs, businesses, and more
- Universities, like the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UW-Milwaukee), Marquette University, and Carroll University, which bring new innovators and talent while providing many resources for innovators
- Major companies, their employees, and their research and development teams, such as those in Advocate Aurora Health with 39,000 employees, BMO Harris Bank, GE Healthcare, Harley Davidson, Inc., Johnson Controls International, and Rockwell Automation
- Local start-ups and small businesses, that change the innovative landscape
- City initiatives, like Milwaukee’s green-business initiatives
When you create an innovation in one or more of Milwaukee’s growing industries, protecting it is even more crucial.
Resources for Innovators and Inventors
Whether you are an independent inventor, part of an established small business, or somewhere in between, it’s important to get the support you need. Some key local resources include:
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) resources. The USPTO Midwest Elijah J. McCoy Regional Office is in Detroit, Michigan. There is also a USPTO Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) located in the Milwaukee Public Library. PTRCs can help with resources and research when conducting patent searches.
- Local accelerators and incubators. These include the Technological Innovation Center, the UW-Milwaukee Ignite Startup Accelerator, and gener8tor Wisconsin. They offer financial resources, co-working spaces, business advice, and networking opportunities for new innovators.
- Nonprofits. These include Legacy Redevelopment Corporation, which works in partnership with Milwaukee County and has financed over 60 loans totaling more than $8 million. Nonprofits and other investors in the area can support small businesses and entrepreneurs financially.
Investors, university technology transfer and commercialization offices, and other resources can help you refine and develop your invention. However, it’s important to navigate these resources with the guidance of an attorney. They can assess which resources are most useful for you while also protecting your rights to your creation.
Find Your Industry’s Patent Requirements
It’s important to get targeted patent guidance for your specific industry. Find your industry below to discover specialized patent requirements, strategic approaches, and how our attorneys can transform your ideas into protected intellectual property and assets.
FAQs
How Much Do You Pay for a Utility Patent Attorney?
The cost of a utility patent attorney depends on:
- The attorney’s experience in the field
- Their location
- Their fee structure
- The invention you are patenting
A more experienced attorney tends to have higher rates, but they may be more efficient in securing patent protection. Because Milwaukee is a city with growing innovation, this can also increase rates. If your invention is technically complex, it will likely take longer and have higher costs.
What Are the Three Requirements for a Utility Patent?
The three requirements for a utility patent are that it is:
- Useful and non-theoretical
- New or a non-obvious derivative
- Either a machine, a process, composed of matter, or a manufactured article
To determine if your invention’s function qualifies for a patent, you will need to conduct a thorough search of existing patents and publicly disclosed inventions. Your invention should meet the definition of both a patent and a utility patent.
What Is the Difference Between a Patent and a Utility Patent?
The difference between a patent and a utility patent is that there are three types of patents, and a utility patent specifically protects the invention’s function. Other kinds of patents include a design patent, which protects the invention’s appearance, and a plant patent, which applies to new plant varieties. Utility patents are for a machine, a process, or an item or composition of matter. It also applies to improvements in these things.
How Long Is a Utility Patent Protected?
A utility patent is protected for up to 20 years. However, this protection can expire early if the regular maintenance fees are not paid. These are required at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years. There are some cases where protections can be extended, but these are very rare. To understand whether your invention qualifies for a utility patent and how long you can secure protection, it is useful to talk with a utility patent attorney.
Hire a Utility Patent Attorney at Bold Patents in Milwaukee
You don’t have to navigate the USPTO patent process alone. When you reach out to Bold Patents, we can help with your bold invention. Our firm can conduct patent and art searches, assess patentability, document your invention, and follow the examination process. Contact us today for assistance with your utility patent case.
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...