Patent Law in Manchester, NH

Manchester resident Dean Kamen is a world renowned inventor, and holds over 40 patents for his work and intellectual property. Other inventors in Manchester that aspire to follow a similar path should seek out an experienced patent attorney in Manchester. These attorneys can help you navigate the nuanced laws surrounding patents, and make sure your work is protected.

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.

Manchester residents seeking to file a patent application will most likely file with the USPTO Headquarters located in Virginia. However, there are many resources available to Manchester inventors in the state as they go through the application process. These resources include several workshops and events, as well as the Franklin Pierce Law Library located in Concord.

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

Manchester, NH 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 Manchester NH

The process of applying for a patent in Manchester, New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire Secretary of State urges all inventors and entrepreneurs to protect their intellectual property with a patent or a trademark. You should make certain that you conduct research before beginning to file your application. Make sure that your invention or design is eligible for a patent or trademark, and determine what type of patent you must apply for. In addition, you should make sure that your invention does not already exist. Many inventors have been crushed at the 11th hour when they discover their invention has already been patented.

Still, your best course of action may be to hire an experienced patent attorney in manchester. He or she can help you with this process.

When Should I Hire a Qualified Manchester, New Hampshire Patent Lawyer?

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

New Hampshire Business Review states that a local business won a year-long patent suit against a corporation in Massachusetts. This suit revolved around the supposed misuse or proprietary technology in the manufacturing of high end industrial products.

Whether it is an individual, or a corporation, patent infringement is not uncommon. If you should suffer due to someone misusing or misappropriating your patented property, you may want to seek out an experienced manchester patent attorney. This may be the only way to stop the offending party from continuing their actions. Your attorney may also be able to recover damages.

Work with an Experienced Local Patent Attorney in Manchester, New Hampshire

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

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

How It All Works

Call us or answer the questions on this site. Your category, location, and additional information will help us connect you to a legal professional and we’ll send you the results instantly.

Which Areas of Law?

We have attorneys in over 20 legal categories to choose from.

How Much Does This Cost?

We don’t charge you to be connected. Some legal categories require upfront fees while others do not. The legal professional will determine this with you before you commit to anything.