Patent Law in Columbus, OH

Are you ready to contribute to a proud tradition of inventions from Columbus? Ohio History Central has documented some of the most notable people who came before you. For example, Granville T. Woods pioneered electric railways and safety improvements for the train industry. Even with the considerable challenges he faced, he changed how a vital industry of his time operated.

Making history with your invention will involve a complicated and potentially expensive process. Find out the essentials below and how a local attorney can contribute to your success.

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.

The nearest federal office that can assist is the Midwest Regional U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Furthermore, the USPTO recommends using the Cincinnati Patent and Trademark Resource Center for research.

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

Columbus, OH 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 Columbus OH

The process of applying for a patent in Columbus, Ohio 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.

From start to finish, the traditional patent process takes around 24 months to complete. According to estimates from the USPTO, some circumstances can extend to 76 months. While there’s plenty of waiting involved, you must hurry when action is required. Under this type of pressure, it often pays to have a patent attorney in Columbus working on your behalf.

In total, the lifecycle of any application includes:

• Choose the intellectual property that best suits your invention

• Deduce whether or not your concept can receive a patent

• Establish if you’re applying for a design, utility, or plant patent

• Assemble a strategy, preferably with a lawyer

• Put the application together

• Cooperate with requests from the government examiner

• Upon approval, receive your Notice of Allowance

• Pay maintenance fees before expiration dates

When Should I Hire a Qualified Columbus, Ohio Patent Lawyer?

There are multiple reasons to hire a patent attorney. If you want the assurance of having someone acting on your behalf, then Columbus 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.

Indeed, publications like LifeHack recommend that business startups engage with legal counsel. When an organization in Columbus relies on a patent, this need becomes even more paramount.

The soundness of your intellectual property can be crucial to getting a fledgling enterprise off the ground. Moreover, you may need an attorney to prevent infringement through civil actions.

Work with an Experienced Local Patent Attorney in Columbus, Ohio

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

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