Patent Law in Spokane, WA

The Spokesman-Review details the life of Raymond Hanson, an inventor and entrepreneur who brought his business to Spokane from Idaho. Hanson designed and developed specialty mining equipment which he shipped to other states, and other countries. This equipment was used in the building of canals all over the world.

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 in Spokane that wish to protect their intellectual property will most likely file with the Silicon Valley Regional Office located in San Jose, California. The University of Washington also provides certain materials to inventors in Spokane in an attempt to simplify the patent process. However, none of this should be construed as legal advice. In order to obtain sound legal advice you should only speak to an experienced patent attorney in Spokane.

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

Spokane, 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 Spokane WA

The process of applying for a patent in Spokane, 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 Spokane Law Library acts as a resource center for those in the city that need to conduct patent research before applying. Remember, this is vital as many patents are derailed because inventors did not fully do their research. You must determine if your invention is eligible for a patent, and what type of patent you are required to apply for. In addition, you’ll have to make sure that no one else has already filed a patent for such a device.

If you have any questions, you can speak to an experienced Spokane patent attorney to help you with the research portion of your patent application.

When Should I Hire a Qualified Spokane, 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 Spokane 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 Spokane Journal of Business reported in 2013 that a new venture was being formed in the city to help inventors and entrepreneurs. Dubbed “Spokane Create!”, this new venture allows inventors and designers to compare notes, give feedback, and tinker with their inventions in real time.

Patent infringement is not something that will go away on its own. You must have someone by your side to help you enforce your rights, and make a stand when necessary. For these purposes, you may want to seek the experienced counsel of a Spokane patent attorney.

Work with an Experienced Local Patent Attorney in Spokane, Washington

A patent attorney provides a great service in assisting with securing and managing your patent. You should meet with a qualified Spokane 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!