Pittsburgh Patent Attorney

Pittsburgh Community!

Identify, Protect, and Enforce Your Patent Rights!

Pittsburgh’s branches out to more than just steel. The city leads in manufacturing glass, aluminum, petroleum, electronics, and many more. Earlier in the 20th century, Pittsburgh had the most U.S. stockbrokers per capita and was just behind NYC and Chicago in employment rates. It’s not a shock why we here at Bold Patents are proud to call this great city our home!

There’s one thing you and the huge manufacturing companies in Pittsburgh have in common – patents. You don’t have to be a world renowned company to need protection from other competitors. Regardless of the size of your business, patents are a necessity for entrepreneurs. We believe this so much that we’ve vowed to sit down with anyone interested in talking with us about their business or product, regardless of what it is.

If you’ve already started the process of obtaining a patent, we understand how dedicated you are to your work. We also understand how much time you’re spending and, sadly, probably wasting in the process. IP law is an ever changing landscape so it can be hard to find the most accurate and up to date information.

That’s where we come in! Come see us at Bold Patents in Pittsburgh where a specialist can help you get through the process of applying for a patent in the best, most efficient way. Our patent attorneys provide unparalleled legal advice and representation in protecting your intellectual property and supporting the needs and interests of your business. Give us a call now!

Patenting an Invention in Pittsburgh

Patents are secured through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). If your invention qualifies for a patent and one is issued to you, then you have the right to stop other parties from selling, using, or making your invention. If a party does so within the states and territories of the U.S., you can take legal action against them. A patent also allows you to legally keep others from importing your invention to the U.S.

The basic definition of an invention that qualifies for a patent includes the following requirements:

1. The invention is not theoretical and can be used.
2. You can describe how to make and use the invention.
3. The invention does not already exist, and it is innovative.
4. It is a non-obvious invention or alteration.

Beyond these requirements, each of the three types of patents has its own definition. An invention must meet the guidelines of one of these types of patents to be patentable. Each type of patent serves a unique purpose:

1. Utility patents protect the use or function of an invention, including items like a process, a machine, a composition of chemicals or other matter, or a manufactured physical object. Utility patents cover both new inventions and innovative improvements to inventions.
2. Design patents protect the appearance of an invention. This may be the shape of a manufactured item, a visual design applied to the item’s surface, or both. The design must be ornamental and innovative.
3. Plant patents apply to new plant varieties that have been cultivated. An inventor may have created, discovered, or asexually reproduced the plant. This does not apply to uncultivated plants or plants that are tuber-propagated.

There are several benefits to having a patent. You have control over the use and creation of your invention, enabling you to sell the patent, license the patent, and make other transactional agreements. These can provide for your financial future or give your business a competitive edge.

What You Can’t Patent

There are some inventions that are not patentable, although they could be protected under other forms of intellectual property law. Your attorney can help you review your options for protecting your creations.

According to the USPTO, the things that are unable to be patented include:

1. Ideas and suggestions
2. Anything abstract
3. Laws of nature
4. Natural and existing physical phenomena
5. Nuclear material
6. Atomic energy used for atomic weapons

If you are unsure whether your invention qualifies for a patent, an attorney can provide you with an analysis and review of your invention. Intellectual property firms, like Bold Patents, may have significant professional resources to better help you consider the applications and protection of your invention.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Patent an Idea in Pennsylvania?

You aren’t required to have a lawyer when patenting an idea in Pennsylvania, but it is recommended to work with legal and professional support. Intellectual property law is often not straightforward. Professional help is very beneficial for complying with the process of filing for a patent and upholding your patent rights.

Filing an application without legal support can be overwhelming, as there are many requirements that must be met, from the information included to the formatting of the documents. Submitting an improper application can result in surcharges, some of them very costly. Failing to have the proper information can cause additional charges and also delay your application examination. An attorney can avoid these errors before they occur. If there is any issue, an attorney knows how to quickly respond and resolve it, getting your application moving once more.

An attorney can also ensure that your patent application secures the most protection possible for your invention. Getting a patent without a lawyer can limit the protections you have. Having an attorney can also give you general peace and certainty during all proceedings. You can feel confident that each step is done correctly and that any legal actions are done properly.

What Is the Difference Between a Patent Attorney and an Intellectual Property Attorney?

A patent attorney focuses on patent laws and is licensed with the USPTO. An intellectual property attorney may not have this licensure and has general knowledge about several aspects of intellectual property law. Patent attorneys are more likely to have the technical skills and knowledge relevant to patentable inventions.

What Is the Difference Between a Patent Agent and a Patent Attorney?

Both patent agents and patent attorneys have knowledge specific to patents, and both have experience working with the USPTO. However, patent agents are not licensed attorneys, so they cannot provide legal advice or representation. A patent attorney can provide representation both in USPTO proceedings and in legal proceedings. Legal proceedings may be necessary if your patent rights are infringed upon, and the party will not stop when requested.

What Is the Main Purpose of Patent Attorneys?

The main purpose of patent attorneys is to guide inventors through the patent process and help them defend their patent rights. At Bold Patents, our attorneys aid entrepreneurs with patent services such as:

• Conducting patent searches and general searches
• Providing professional patent and invention analysis and legal opinions
• Preparing a patent application
• Gathering documentation for an application
• Determining if a status discount is applicable
• Tracking a submitted application
• Managing a small business’s patent portfolio
• Helping renew and maintain patents
• Negotiating and reviewing contracts for licensing and transactions
• Protecting the patent if another party infringes on the patent
• Defending against accusations of patent infringement

When you operate a small business, you have a lot to deal with. You may not have the time to fully address the many aspects of intellectual property law and your patentable inventions. Bold Patents can give you the professional and comprehensive legal support you need.

World Class Patent Attorneys Serving Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh is home to some of the biggest technology firms in the world. Google, Uber, Apple, Facebook, and more generate billions of dollars in Pittsburgh payroll. The federal agency headquarters for software engineering, robotics, and energy research also have gravitated towards Pittsburgh. The city is at the forefront of technology and advancement and that’s why we here at Bold Patents are proud to call the city our home as well.

You don’t have to work at Google or for the federal agency to need a patent. Any entrepreneur, regardless of business size, should make sure to stay protected. If you’re not protected under intellectual property law, someone could steal your concept/prototype and put their name on it. We’re passionate about this topic which is why we’ve dedicated time to speak with any and all entrepreneurs about their business needs and requirements.

Navigating the world of IP law is a challenging task, especially when you have an entire business to run. Qualifications and requirements are constantly changing, so it’s hard to know if the information you have to get started is even accurate.

So, just leave it up to us! We at Bold Patents can handle the long, twisted road of obtaining you a patent so you can get back to more important things. When you need comprehensive and personalized legal support, contact our team online or give us a call today!

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

Principal Patent Attorney, Bold Patents