Patent Law in Tuscaloosa, AL

Inventors in Tuscaloosa should never risk their intellectual property because of improper filing. Patent law is a very particular section of the law, and should be approached by someone who actually knows the “ins and outs”. Therefore, you should seek the counsel of an experienced Patent attorney in Alabama to make sure you 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.

Entrepreneurs or inventors from Tuscaloosa will most likely file their patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Texas Regional Office. This location also offers classes and workshops on the patent process, as well as networking events. These networking events allow creatives and entrepreneurs the ability to meet and discuss the possibility of bringing certain inventions 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

Tuscaloosa, AL 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 Tuscaloosa AL

The process of applying for a patent in Tuscaloosa, Alabama 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.

Tuscaloosa inventors and entrepreneurs are encouraged by the Alabama Secretary of State to establish patents and trademarks to protect their inventions and designs. To apply for a patent you should:

• Research to be certain your invention is new

• Research to be certain your invention qualifies for a patent

• Keep a written record of your invention

• Document your process with video footage, if possible

• File your patent with the USPTO

However, it may be in your best interest to seek out an experienced Tuscaloosa patent attorney to help you file a patent application.

When Should I Hire a Qualified Tuscaloosa, Alabama Patent Lawyer?

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

Filing your patent correctly can be the difference between you receiving the credit you deserve for your work, or someone else getting that credit. Tuscaloosa City News recently reported that a joint patent was filed by the University of Alabama and the City of Tuscaloosa. This was regarding a new automated system that can detect blights before they become problematic or even devastating. Filing your patent quickly and properly can stop anyone else from taking your ideas and inventions.

However, if someone has infringed upon your intellectual property, you have rights you can stand on. And it may be in your best interest to have an experienced Tuscaloosa patent attorney standing with you.

Work with an Experienced Local Patent Attorney in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

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

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