Patent Law in Reno, NV

According to the Reno Gazette-Journal, Reno has been home to many innovations and breakthroughs. Leer fan jets, high rise casinos, and even blue jeans have their roots in the city.

Do you believe you have a product that can meet or exceed these historical advancements?

As with anything valuable, lawyers can be necessary to protect its value. Whether you want to start the application process or vanguard your portfolio, find out what you need to know below.

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.

Inventors can use the Patent and Trademark Resource Center for their research. Furthermore, Reno residents can contact the Silicon Valley USPTO Office.

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

Reno, NV 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 Reno NV

The process of applying for a patent in Reno, Nevada 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 reports that applications can take up to 30 months to resolve. The reasons include processing times, responding to examiners, and appeals. Without legal expertise, you can wind up spinning your wheels and spending too much in fees.

As a result, inventors may need to rely on a patent attorney from Reno while completing tasks like:

• Researching patent applications for similarities to your invention

• Determining whether you need global protections as well

• Developing the strongest application strategy for your concept

• Ensuring there are no omissions or mistakes in documents sent to the USPTO

• Planning how, when, and if to apply for a non-provisional patent

When Should I Hire a Qualified Reno, Nevada Patent Lawyer?

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

As noted by Investopedia, patent attorneys are unique in their field due to their technical training. They can not only help you navigate the red tape, they can also help you communicate your concept to examiners. What you believe is relevant could feel extraneous to someone on the government payroll, and your attorney can put it in layman’s terms.

Unfortunately, in some circumstances, you may have to defend a patent infringement accusation. Often, there is no handling that situation without hiring legal counsel in Reno.

Work with an Experienced Local Patent Attorney in Reno, Nevada

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

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