Patent Law in Chattanooga, TN

Did you know that miniature golf was invented and patented in Chattanooga? You may also have the know-how, drive, and energy to invent “a game changer”. However, that does not guarantee you have the skills to successfully secure a patent without legal help. In fact, self-applicants have significantly higher abandonment rates than those working with attorneys. Discover why having an experienced Chattanooga patent attorney on your side can be the difference between success and failure.

What Is a Patent?

Patent law covers the many aspects of securing a patent. There are many legalities to understand, from copyrighting products and advertising, to the Lanham Act. Basically, a patent is a legal protection you secure through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, (USPTO), under intellectual property laws. A patent guarantees the exclusive right to use your intellectual property. It also helps enforce that no other person can make or profit off of something for which you have a patent.

Chattanooga inventors can deal with the USPTO Headquarters, based in Virginia. However, the Texas Regional Office also serves Tennessee. For additional resources, the closest Patent and Trademark Resource Center is in Nashville.

What Are the Types of Patents?

There are three different types of patents inventors can apply for. Each patent has stipulations and serves a different purpose.

• Utility Patent – This is the most common type of patent. It is for new machines, processes/functions, and chemicals.
• Design Patent – These patents are for securing a unique and new design of a manufactured item. Design patents protect from entities trying to capitalize on an invention by replicating and producing it.
• Plant Patent – These types of patents are specifically for the invention of new plant varieties. The process must include asexual reproduction, meaning by means other than seeds.

What Can You Patent?

In reality, not everything you create qualifies for patenting. There are only certain types of intellectual property that fall under patent protection. Other intellectual property rights cover different creations. Here is a look at the types of inventions you can patent.

• Process – Also referred to as a method, this is a new way of doing something. 
• Machine – This is any material thing or device that has some sort of output, whether functionality or physical object.
• Manufacture – This is the creation of a physical object.
• Composition of matter – This is a mixture of chemical or biological compounds to create something new.

You can apply for a patent for whichever new device, method, or compound you create by applying to the USPTO. Once they accept your patent application and approve it, you have exclusivity rights to the invention for the next 20 years. However, a design patent period lasts for 14 years.

Difference Between a Provisional and Non-Provisional Patent

Chattanooga, TN inventors often file a provisional patent first, which is like a way of buying time to finalize an invention. Provisional patents last for a year, and the application process is simple. Once you file a provisional patent, you have exactly a year to convert it to a non-provisional patent. The latter is just another name for the formal and final patent.

How to Apply for a Patent in Chattanooga TN

The process of applying for a patent in Chattanooga, Tennessee is complex and detailed. You must meet all the requirements and submit every required piece of documentation to secure your patent. You must file your application with the USPTO.

According to PatentsView, there are patent hotspots throughout the state of Tennessee. In fact, there has been recent growth in the number of patents issued to firms in Tennessee. Moreover, Tennessee has produced some of the most influential patents in electrical engineering or instruments. Keep in mind, large firms applying for patents always use patent attorneys to shepherd their applications through the process.

An experienced Chattanooga patent attorney can also help you with your patent application. For example, you must submit a detailed description and a drawing of your invention. As well, you must provide your research, and research done with other parties. You must also sign an oath declaring that you are the original inventor. Furthermore, your application will require a rigorous defense, including detailed, written rebuttals.

When Should I Hire a Qualified Chattanooga, Tennessee Patent Lawyer?

There are multiple reasons to hire a patent attorney. If you want the assurance of having someone acting on your behalf, then Chattanooga patent law lawyers can help you. He or she can assist with every step of the filing process and ensure that you include all the required information. Additionally, they may be able to guide you when it comes to navigating consumer laws, as well as help you avoid false advertising. This can prove especially valuable if you are trying to merge, or transform your invention into a business.

An experienced Chattanooga patent attorney can help protect your patent against patent infringement. Additionally, you may need protection against mistakes that are made in the patent process by USPTO.

In fact, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Chattanooga-based Echelon won in two patent suits with its rival Peloton. Specifically, an administrative panel found that a pair of Peloton Interactive patents shouldn’t have been issued at all. Peloton had sued Echelon initially, but then Echelon filed a counterclaim against Peloton and won.

Work with an Experienced Local Patent Attorney in Chattanooga, Tennessee

A patent attorney provides a great service in assisting with securing and managing your patent. You should meet with a qualified Chattanooga attorney to discuss how he or she can help you. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Tennessee state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!