Patent Law in Shreveport, LA

Entrepreneurs and inventors in Shreveport should take every precaution when it comes to protecting their inventions, their designs, or their discoveries. While many like to believe the best of everyone, there are bad faith actors who have no second thoughts about taking someone else’s work for their own gain. This is why an experienced patent attorney in Shreveport is paramount to protecting your inventions.

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.

Residents of Shreveport that are seeking to file a patent for their invention or establish a trademark will most likely do so with the Texas Regional Office of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. In addition to providing resources that allow you to file for patents, the USPTO is also instrumental in providing classes and networking events that shape the next generation of inventors. These networking events attempt to link inventors with those that may have the appropriate capital to bring their invention to market.

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

Shreveport, LA 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 Shreveport LA

The process of applying for a patent in Shreveport, Louisiana 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 Louisiana Law Library is a great resource for Shreveport inventors and entrepreneurs. You can use this resource to investigate if your invention or design warrants a patent. You can also check if a patent for such an invention already exists here. You should always do your research in these areas before you start filing your patent application. This way, you don’t waste your time, money, and energy on an invention or idea that someone has already patented. However, it may be even more beneficial to have an experienced Shreveport patent attorney help you with both research and filing. This may be the surest way to avoid errors in these processes.

When Should I Hire a Qualified Shreveport, Louisiana Patent Lawyer?

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

The Shreveport Reporter states that there was only 1 patent granted to an applicant in the month of April. Harry Hermes VI received approval for a patent he had filed in 2020. This patent was for new technology regarding the proper and safe handling of manhole covers.

If someone violates your patent or trademark rights, you have every right to stop them through the legal system. In addition, your Shreveport patent attorney may be able to win monetary damages for the infringement upon your property. You may also be entitled to have the violator pay court fees and your attorney’s fees as well.

Work with an Experienced Local Patent Attorney in Shreveport, Louisiana

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

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