Patent Law in Everett, WA

Who should risk their work and property because of improper filing or a missed deadline? Patent law is a very particular section of the law. Therefore, you should seek the counsel of an experienced attorney in Everett to make sure you protect what is yours, and get the full credit you deserve.

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.

Everett inventors and entrepreneurs seeking to protect their intellectual property will most likely file with the Silicon Valley Regional Office located in San Jose, California. However, you can take full advantage of the resource center in the Washington University Library.

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

Everett, WA 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 Everett WA

The process of applying for a patent in Everett, Washington 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.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce provides a full guide to filing patents and trademarks for Everett residents. You’ll need to determine whether or not your intellectual property qualifies for a patent or trademark. You’ll also need to:

• Determine which type of patent you need

• Assess if this particular invention or design already exists

• Provide thorough documentation of your work in creating the property

• File your patent application

• Respond to any objections the patent examiner may have

Everett inventors can use the Snohomish County Law Library to conduct their preliminary research. However, it may be in your best interest to retain an experienced patent attorney in Everett. He or she can help you file and be certain that no time is wasted by improperly filing.

When Should I Hire a Qualified Everett, Washington Patent Lawyer?

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

Endpoint News reports that Seagan won a massive $42 million patent infringement suit againstAstraZeneca for infringing upon their patented technology. AstraZeneca illegally copied Seagan’s antibody conjugate drug technology for monetary purposes. The windfall from the lawsuit is being used to expand Seagan’s manufacturing capabilities.

Patent infringement is not always malicious. In fact, it can be that someone is infringing upon your patent rights without knowing it. But you are still entitled to relief, and even monetary damages if you have lost money due to the infringement. An experienced patent attorney in Everett can help you navigate the process of enforcing your patent rights.

Work with an Experienced Local Patent Attorney in Everett, Washington

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

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