Patent Law in Yonkers, NY

Yonkers boasts a long history of entrepreneurs and inventors that have made their mark and contributed to the betterment of our lives and society. Plastic, FM radio, safety elevators, and elevated trains were all invented in Yonkers. If you are a Yonkers inventor with a creation or design to share, you may want to hire an experienced Yonkers patent attorney to protect your work.

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 Yonkers that are seeking to protect their intellectual property and designs with a patent will most likely file their patent application with the USPTO Headquarters located in Virginia. In addition, the regional office located in New York City can help inventors both with classes and workshops. Inventors play an integral role in bringing new products to the market, and the USPTO seeks to support them as much as possible.

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

Yonkers, NY 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 Yonkers NY

The process of applying for a patent in Yonkers, New York 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 Yonkers Public Library, along with the Westchester County Law Library, are tremendous resources for those seeking to do patent research in Yonkers. Local inventors can also take advantage of the New York Public Library which is listed as an official Patent and Trademark Resource.

Inventors should make sure to be thorough in their research, as many patents are derailed before they can ever be granted. Be sure to:

• Document your work, either in writing or on video

• Make sure your invention qualifies for a patent

• Determine the type of patent necessary

• Be certain a patent does not already exist for such a product

• Consult with an experienced Yonkers patent attorney if any questions or doubts linger

When Should I Hire a Qualified Yonkers, New York Patent Lawyer?

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

It’s important to remember that the patent process is a process, and can take far longer than most people would like. The Westchester Reporter states that a Yonkers inventor received a patent for an invention after 966 days. This has set a record in Yonkers, as the previous longest wait time was 833 days for a patent granted to Contrafect Corporation.

There may come a time where you will have to enforce the rights that are granted to you by receiving a patent for your invention. If this happens, you may want an experienced patent attorney in Yonkers by your side. He or she can help pursue relief from the infringement, as well as pursue any damages that may have occurred.

Work with an Experienced Local Patent Attorney in Yonkers, New York

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

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