New York City Patent Attorney

Hire a Patent Attorney at Bold Patents in NYC

At Bold Patents, we know that creatives in New York City have a lot of ideas to bring to their field. Our firm is proud to be part of this community.

Our team provides innovators in New York City with strategic legal advice and support. We work hard to benefit their business goals and protect their intellectual property. Our law firm also serves the surrounding area’s IP needs. This includes Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and the rest of New York. We are proud to help individuals and small businesses in our community establish and defend their rights to their inventions.

At Bold Patents, we have decades of experience in patent, intellectual property, and trademark laws. We understand the industries in New York City and have secured patents in key sectors like clean energy tech, health technologies, and financial technology. We know how important these cases are for your business and personal goals, and we don’t take that lightly. Let us secure your financial future.

Protect, and Enforce Your Patent Rights!

In New York City, we serve investors, entrepreneurs, and scientists who are taking risks in the spirit of progress and positive change.

New York City is known for a lot of different things. One of them is the long list of well-respected inventors who have called the city home over the years. These pioneers have created many innovations that we see every day.

One key invention is air conditioning, which was invented in New York by Willis Haviland Carrier. The Kodak camera was also invented in New York and changed history. Today, a lot of tech entrepreneurs and innovators flock to New York for the connections and ability to raise capital. Then, they improve our world through their innovations.

Patenting your invention is an effective way to protect what you have innovated. It can give you and your business success in the competitive market of New York.

Key Industries in New York City

Some essential sectors in NYC include:

• Software and media technology
• Life sciences and biotech
• Fintech, or financial technology
• Energy technologies and cleantech

These industries are supported by many institutions, agencies, and companies. This includes:

• Universities. The State University of New York (SUNY) holds 86 patents and 284 patent applications. New York University (NYU) holds over 1,600 patents. This furthers innovation in many nearby industries. Universities also push innovation by bringing new entrepreneurs to the area and providing resources to students and faculty.
• Local investors. FJ Labs recently made 1,695 investments in New York City, supporting start-ups in their endeavors. Other top investors include Tiger Global Management, Insight Partners, Goldman Sachs, and VentureOut.
• Major companies. The city’s life sciences industry employment grew by 27% from 2019 to 2024, and the industry was responsible for 5,000 new jobs in the city throughout 2021 and 2022. Companies in this and other industries further innovation through their creative workforces, along with their research and development branches.

When you are an innovator and entrepreneur, it’s important to be aware of the main industries in New York City and how they change. These changes can impact many areas of innovation, including your own inventions.

The Basics of a U.S. Patent

Patents are managed through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and they give an inventor the right to prevent other parties from using or profiting from their invention.

Patent laws establish three types of patents: design patents, utility patents, and plant patents. Each type of patent protects a different type or element of an invention. Design patents apply to an invention’s innovative appearance or shape, utility patents apply to a new and useful machine or process, and plant patents protect a new variety of plant that is created or discovered through asexual reproduction.

Regardless of the type of patent, an invention must meet the following criteria to be patentable:

1. The invention can be used and is more than theoretical.
2. There are instructions on how to make and use the invention.
3. The invention is novel and innovative, not existing or derivative.
4. The invention is not an obvious development or enhancement of an existing invention to those with knowledge in the field.

A patent is a type of intellectual property protection. Trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights are other types. If your invention does not qualify for a patent, or you want different legal protections for it, these other types of intellectual property law may be helpful. A New York City patent lawyer can review these options with you to determine which ones meet your personal and business goals for your invention.

How Do I Get a Patent in New York?

You can get a patent in New York City by filing a patent application with the USPTO. If you qualify for a patent, the agency will grant it to you. The steps you take to apply may vary, but they generally include:

1. Eligibility review. To be patentable, the invention must meet the basic criteria of a patent and the type of patent you are attempting to obtain. Part of this process is conducting a patent search to determine if your invention already exists or would infringe on an existing patent in another way. You should also review publicly disclosed inventions. This step ensures your invention is patentable before you file a costly application.
2. Documentation. Different patent types may have different documentation requirements, but they should generally cover the function or appearance of the invention as well as any unique parts of the article. Applications usually require the specifications of the invention. Depending on the invention, drawings may be needed.

This documentation ensures that the USPTO gets a clear picture of your invention and improves your chances of success with a strong application.

1. Patent application filing. It’s important that you make sure your filing has the right information and forms for a complete USPTO application, and that you pay the relevant filing fees. These may be lowered if you qualify for small entity or micro entity status.
2. Application tracking. This helps you be aware of its status and enables you to respond quickly if there are any objections or clarifications that must be made. If you wait too long to respond, it can seriously delay the issuance of your patent and even lead to denial.

Getting a patent and completing all the proper steps is much simpler with a patent attorney. An attorney helps you avoid common errors to reduce time in the examination period and acts quickly if any office actions do occur.

Supporting Resources for New York City Inventors and Entrepreneurs

When you are an independent inventor or a small business without the resources of major corporations, it can feel hard to develop and patent an invention. Luckily, there are many resources available for innovators like you, right in New York. Some useful resources include:

• USPTO resources. There are two USPTO Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) nearby. There is one in New York in the Thomas Yoseloff Business Center in the New York Public Library. There is also a PTRC in Queens, in the St. John’s University Libraries. PTRCs offer public patent resources to help with creating an application and conducting patent searches.
• Incubators and accelerators. This includes organizations like TechStars NYC and the Entrepreneur’s Roundtable Accelerator. There are NYU programs like Tandon Future Labs and Summer Launchpad. There are also state-certified accelerators and incubators in the New York City area, like Communitas America and the NYC Innovation Hotspot.
• University technology transfers. Technology transfer offices include the NYU Technology Opportunities and Ventures unit or the SUNY Research Foundation Intellectual Property and Licensing Group. These offer support for innovators to help file patents and secure licensing agreements or other methods of commercializing an invention.

These resources can be invaluable to innovators, but it is important to use them correctly. You want to leverage them to support your invention without risking the rights to your invention or spreading yourself too thin. An experienced patent attorney is essential to help you manage resources properly. They can assess your business goals and what resources you need to benefit most effectively.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Patent an Idea?

A lawyer is not required to patent an idea, but working with a lawyer is highly recommended in patent cases. Patent law and intellectual property law can become very complex, and it can be difficult for anyone who is unused to the process to manage it. Mistakes during the filing can be costly:

• You might not get an invention patented.
• You may be surcharged for errors.
• The application may be delayed.
• You may end up with a patent that does not fully safeguard your rights.

Your patent attorney can represent you in USPTO proceedings and protect your rights more thoroughly. You are more likely to successfully obtain a patent more quickly with an attorney, and the patent is more likely to cover your rights as comprehensively as possible.

Patents Services Offered at Bold Patents in NYC

The team with Bold Patents helps independent creatives, new entrepreneurs, and existing business owners with many patent-related legal services, including:

1. Searches and analyses. Bold Patents can conduct patent searches as well as review and analyze your creation. We use our resources to determine if an invention is patentable, including consulting professionals who are experienced in the industry. We can use the information we gain during our analysis as the basis for your comprehensive application.
2. Application preparation and review. A strong and complete application is crucial to secure a smooth USPTO examination process. Our team knows the requirements and expectations of a patent application, and we can verify that your application meets those standards.

Legal representation during this process can limit the likelihood of error surcharges and correction delays. If delays do occur, Bold Patents works quickly to address the issue and get your application moving again as soon as possible. We can help you prepare, review, and file provisional, non-provisional, and international patent applications.

1. Appeals. If a patent application is denied, we can help you submit a Request for Continued Examination. If this is not possible or unsuccessful, then we can assess your options for filing an appeal with the USPTO Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB).
2. Portfolio management. Strong patent portfolio management is especially crucial in small business operations. At Bold Patents, our team understands how patent portfolio management must align with a business’s needs. We also know that maintenance and reissue schedules must be carefully reviewed.
3. Licensure. Other transactions can also be beneficial as a patent owner, including selling your patent and entering into licensing agreements. During negotiations and transactions, legal representation is essential to protect your rights and financial interests. Our firm can draft and review any transaction contracts. We have the technical knowledge needed to safeguard your interests when licensing in NYC’s technological industries.
4. Infringement. If your patent rights are infringed on, it is up to you to take action. Bold Patents can defend the rights of your patent if other parties are creating, using, or selling your invention. If another party is accusing you of infringing on their patent, we can also aid with these proceedings and connect you with a litigation attorney.
5. Pre-litigation. When your rights are infringed on, there are steps prior to litigation that may stop the infringement. Our firm can help you assess options like sending a cease-and-desist letter to the infringing party or requesting negotiation with them for damages. These are often effective ways to avoid court proceedings that can be costly.
6. Validity defense. There are also cases through the PTAB to contest the validity of a patent, such as a Post Grant Review (PGR) and an Inter Partes Review (IPR). An IPR contests a patent on the grounds of prior existing patents or publicly disclosed inventions. A PGR more broadly reviews the patentability of a granted patent. Our team can connect you with litigation attorneys.
7. Litigation proceedings. If alternate methods are unsuccessful, you can strongly uphold your rights by taking the case to court. Bold Patents has a network of patent litigators that we can connect you with. Litigators can help you navigate the process of filing with local courts or with the U.S. Eastern District or Southern District Court of New York. Local court decisions could be appealed at the federal level.

At Bold Patents, we focus on your needs and your long-term financial interests.

Important Intellectual Property Considerations for Business Owners

When you are a business owner in New York City, securing your intellectual property, there are unique considerations. Business owners have to consider elements of intellectual property law that affect business transactions. Some key considerations include:

• Funding. Private equity or venture capital firms can provide needed support for inventors and businesses, and existing patent protection can be a draw for investors. However, it’s crucial that all parties check patent rights before funding occurs. An attorney helps with this for firms and small businesses. Venture capital firms that invest in start-ups and entrepreneurs can also impact the filing status that an inventor has when they pay their fees with the USPTO, before they secure a patent. Inventors have to be aware of this, and an attorney can help assess all these specifics.
• Mergers and acquisitions. When business owners are involved in these business transactions and changes, it is important to consider the impact this has on patent portfolios. Our firm can help businesses determine the right steps and avoid infringement risks. We can assess the usefulness of patents you might acquire, or assess the proper way to transfer the title of a patent.
• Freedom to operate (FTO). Even when you don’t apply for patent protection, patent issues can still arise in your business if you infringe on another party’s patent. When you market a new product or begin your start-up based on a creation, an attorney can help with FTO opinions. This determines if the product is going to infringe on the rights of patent holders and helps you avoid future issues like litigation.

At Bold Patents, we help start-ups and business owners navigate the unique complexities of patent law and business law in New York City.

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.

Aerospace	Electronic Devices
Agriculture	Fitness
Algorithms	Gaming
Architecture and Construction	Hardware Design
Artificial Intelligence (AI)	Medical Devices
Business Methods	Smart Home Technology
Cleantech and Green Tech	Software
Computer Hardware	Robotics
Consumer Products	Wearable Tech
Transportation & Logistics	Nanotechnology
3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing	Cybersecurity
Telecommunications	Blockchain
Cleantech and Green Tech

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer to File a Patent in New York City?

The cost to hire a lawyer to file a patent in New York City depends on the attorney and your patent. Experienced attorneys located in cities are likely to have comparatively higher fees. However, more experienced attorneys may also work much faster. If your invention is especially complex, you can expect costs to be higher, as more resources are needed to document it and create an application.

Are Patent Attorneys Worth It?

It is generally worth it to hire a patent attorney when filing for a patent, as an attorney has a lot of resources and experience with the process. They can conduct a patent search, assess the patentability of your invention, and properly document the invention. They can represent you throughout the entire USPTO examination process, including responding quickly to any requests.

This support can speed up the process and make it more likely that your application will succeed.

What Is the Cost of a Patent in New York City?

Patent costs in New York City depend on the type of patent, whether you work with an attorney, and the entity size you qualify as. Applying for a patent costs between $48 and $350. Conducting a patent search costs from $60 to $770, while patent examination fees are between $140 and $880. Issuance fees range from $181 to $1,300. Hiring a patent attorney can increase these costs, but they can also improve your chances of success and protection.

How Long Does Patent Protection Last?

How long patent protection lasts depends on the type of patent and other factors, such as paying required maintenance fees. Both plant and utility patents last for 20 years, starting from the date the non-provisional patent application was filed. Utility patents can expire early if you don’t pay maintenance fees, which are due three times throughout the lifespan of the patent. Design patents last 15 years from the date the patent is granted.

Seasoned Patent Attorneys Serving New York, NY

At Bold Patents, we take the time to learn more about our clients as we guide them through the patent process, regardless of who you are or where you come from. This gives you more time to focus on getting that proposal done rather than spending countless hours worrying over the possibility of someone stealing your idea and invention.

When you need legal support from a skilled patent attorney in the New York City area, especially one who understands the community you are a part of, contact Bold Patents as soon as possible. Let’s have a confidential conversation about your invention and how to effectively protect it.

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