Rochester Patent Attorney

Rochester Community!

Identify, Protect, and Enforce
Your Patent Rights!

Here in America’s first boom town, business is definitely booming!

Ranked #3 as the best place to raise a family in 2010 by Forbes magazine, Rochester, NY has since then been deemed as one of the ultimate places for startups to start making their business dreams come true. The problem is not many of them know who exactly to turn to when the time comes to patent their products(and other inventions). That’s where we, the people of Bold Patents come in.

With many years of experience, we have been helping clients of all different backgrounds get the help that they need. This way, not only would they be able to protect their products for years to come, but also make a difference in someone’s life.

So if you’re someone in need of understanding how the patent process works, then by all means, don’t be afraid to contact a patent attorney.

World Class Patent Attorneys Serving Rochester, NY

Home of companies such as Kodak, Xeros, Western Union, and many more, Rochester, NY is the boom town where innovation thrives and creativity makes its stride.

As members of America’s first boom town, we, the people at Rochester Bold Patents patent firm, are honored to help businesses of all different backgrounds get the patents that they need to protect their devices (and ideas) for years to come. Let’s face it, the process is not an easy one to understand.

Whether you’re a business that’s just starting out or a professional trying to get some extra leads on a particular patent, please don’t be afraid to reach out to a Rochester Bold Patents patent attorney. Our firm can help inventors, entrepreneurs, and business owners navigate the complex process of securing and maintaining a quality patent that provides full protection of your rights.

When you create a new and inventive creation, we can help you determine the ideal form of intellectual property protection, whether it be patenting, trademarking, or other IP protections. We determine what is possible for your invention and what legal protections would better support your business goals.

Intellectual Property Protection Through Patents

IP protection takes many forms, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. The process of securing these protections varies based on the type of protection, and certain protections are automatic for works of art. Copyrights, though automatic, can be registered with the U.S. Copyright Office. Patents are not automatic. Patents and trademarks are secured through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Successfully patenting an invention gives you the right to prevent others from using your invention, selling or offering the invention for sale, making the invention, or importing the invention into the U.S. It does not give you the sole right to the invention. This means you must take action to protect your patent rights if another infringes on them. A U.S. patent only provides protections within the U.S. states, territories, and possessions.

Can I Patent My Invention?

There are three types of patents: utility patents, design patents, and plant patents. Each type of patent has unique requirements and restrictions. All inventions must, at minimum, meet the following conditions to qualify for a patent:

1. The invention is not derivative of another invention
2. It is not obvious
3. It is novel and has not been done before
4. It is usable, works, and is not simply theoretical
5. There is a description of the invention, including how to create and use it

You must apply for a patent and be granted it by the USPTO. Utility patents are the most frequently applied-for patents. They protect processes, machines, or compositions of matter, essentially meaning the function of an invention.

Design patents protect the shape of an invention or design applied to an invention. Plant patents are for protecting the asexual invention or discovery of a distinct type of plant. This protection also extends to the parts of the plant, like its fruit.

Not everything can be patented. The USPTO lists some of the following as things you cannot patent:

• A suggestion
• An abstract idea
• A law of nature
• Physical phenomena
• Inventions that only relate to nuclear material
• Inventions that are only related to atomic weapons energy

Additionally, certain inventions will benefit from other types of IP protection, such as securing a trademark or trade secret protection. A skilled patent attorney can provide professional advice about the IP protections your invention may qualify for and the benefits of each.

What Are the Benefits of Patenting My Invention?

There are numerous benefits to patenting your invention, whether you are an independent inventor, an entrepreneur, a small business owner, or all three. A patent allows you to:

1. Secure a competitive advantage, as you can take legal action if competitors in your industry try to profit from your invention. Your invention can potentially help you become a leader in your industry.
2. Provide licensing opportunities, which can even extend beyond the life of the patent. This could increase the profitability of your invention.
3. Attract investors, as it shows your small business has the resources and ability to secure a patent.

Obtaining a patent can be a complex process, but successfully securing one can propel your business forward and help you secure the market in your industry.

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

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

The main difference between a patent lawyer and an IP lawyer is the specificity of their practice and their licensure for working with the USPTO. IP lawyers tend to have broader knowledge about numerous forms of IP protection and less in-depth knowledge about patents.

Patent lawyers have more specific knowledge about patents and are licensed to work with USPTO on behalf of a client. IP lawyers are not licensed for this. The type of lawyer you work with will depend on your specific needs.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Get a Patent?

It isn’t required that you work with a lawyer to get a patent, but it can be very helpful to work with a knowledgeable professional as you navigate this complex legal process. An attorney knows how to structure an application, conduct a patent search, and complete other parts of the process more quickly and with fewer errors. Without an attorney, mistakes are more likely to happen, which can delay the process of securing your patent or even result in denial.

Why Should I Hire a Patent Attorney?

There are several benefits to hiring a patent attorney, including:

• Securing the most protections of your invention as possible
• Having the resources to properly and fully document your invention
• Determining if other forms of IP protection better protect your rights and business interests
• Knowing the requirements of a patent application depending on the invention and your industry
• Preventing errors that could cost you money and time
• Ensuring a quick response if further information is requested by the USPTO

Are Patents Worth Having?

The value of a patent relies on the value of the invention being patented, and a patent portfolio is often more valuable than a single patent. Patents are very useful if you have an innovative and profitable invention, as they allow you to prohibit others from using or selling it. A portfolio allows you to increase the potential for success.

A patent attorney can provide you with patent opinions, including the use of a patent for your invention and the potential use of other types of IP protection.

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

Principal Patent Attorney, Bold Patents