Raleigh Patent Attorney

Who is Bold Patents Law Firm?

Our clients are investors, entrepreneurs, and scientists that are pushing the limits, doing what hasn’t been done before, and taking risks in the spirit of progress and positive change. We want to help inventors like you fulfill your dreams and determine how you can begin a successful business from your creation, whether you are a business owner or an independent inventor.

We now serve clients nationwide to enable visionaries with top-quality patents, to dominate the competition in the market!

Types of Patents in Raleigh, North Carolina

There are three types of patents that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) offers: utility patents, design patents, and plant patents. All inventions must meet the following requirements to secure a patent:

1. The invention is usable and not theoretical
2. It is innovative and new
3. It is non-obvious and is not an obvious derivative of another patent or invention
4. The application includes a description of the invention as well as how to make and use it

Each patent type also has its own definition and applies to different types and aspects of an invention.

1. Utility patents can protect an innovative process, a machine, a manufactured article, or a matter composition, which is useful. These patents are the most commonly issued, and they protect the function of the creation. If the patent is granted, it lasts for up to 20 years from the date of filing the application. Utility patents have maintenance fees throughout their lifetime and can expire prior to the 20-year expiration if these fees are not paid.
2. Design patents protect the appearance of an invention. It addresses an innovative ornamental design, which may be the shape of a manufactured item or a design that is applied to an article of manufacture. These patents last for 15 years after the patent is approved.
3. Plant patents provide protection for new plant varieties, which means an asexually reproduced distinct plant type that is either invented or discovered. It does not apply to tuber-propagated plants or to plants that are discovered in the wild. In addition to protecting the plant itself, the patent also protects its parts, like any fruit produced. These patents also last for 20 years from the filing date.

After a patent reaches its term length, it expires; however, patent protections can be extended in very rare cases. Your patent attorney can determine if your invention qualifies for an extension or help you find other methods to protect your invention through licensing or other forms of IP protection.

What Are the Protections of a USPTO Patent?

When you successfully secure a patent, you have the right to prevent other individuals or entities from selling, making, using, offering for sale, or importing your invention. These protections extend to the U.S. states and territories. Patents do not give you sole rights to sell your invention. If another party infringes on your rights by making or selling your invention, you can take legal action.

FAQs

How Much Does a Patent Cost in North Carolina?

A patent in North Carolina has varying costs depending on the type of patent, whether errors are made during the process and other factors. To file an application for a patent with the USPTO, the fees may range from $44 to $320.

Conducting a patent search of other USPTO patents can result in fees between $32 to $700. The examination fee for the patent application varies from $128 to $800. If you are able to secure the patent, the issue fee for the patent can be between $148 to $1,200.

What Is the Difference Between a Patent Attorney and an IP Attorney?

The primary difference between a patent attorney and an IP attorney is the broadness or specificity of their legal practice. Patent attorneys focus on patents, which is one area of IP law. Patent attorneys are also licensed to work with governmental bodies related to patents, like the USPTO.

IP attorneys tend to have broader knowledge about numerous areas of IP law and less knowledge about the intricacies of securing a patent. IP attorneys are also not licensed to deal with patent agencies.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Obtain a Patent?

You are not required to hire a lawyer when applying for and securing a patent; however, it is very helpful. An attorney has the experience and skills needed to efficiently gather information and documentation, conduct a patent and art search, and determine the patentability of an invention. They can help you file the application properly, give your invention the greatest chance of success, and follow it through the USPTO process. Avoiding errors and being able to respond to USPTO requests quickly can further benefit your application.

How Do You Know if a Patent Attorney Is Trustworthy?

When determining if a patent attorney is trustworthy, there are numerous ways you can check their experience, education, and general reputation to better understand their credibility and skills as a patent attorney. This includes:

• Reviewing past patent cases to determine their success
• Reading on-site testimonials and off-site reviews from past clients
• Determining their professional reputation with other attorneys in the field
• Looking up their credentials and licensure, including with the local bar association and USPTO
• Talking with them in person to determine if you can work with them

Protecting Your Rights to Your Invention in Raleigh

The team at Bold Patents wants to help you protect and profit from your vision. Patents in any industry can give you an exceptional leg up. Let our team help you. Contact Bold Patents today and learn how we can help you get the most protection possible for your invention.

Virtual Satellite Location

Raleigh Patent Attorneys
Bold Patents Law Firm
421 Fayetteville St
Suite 1100
Raleigh, NC 27601

Raleigh Patents Resources

• Resources For Entrepreneurs and Inventors in Raleigh