Minneapolis Patent Attorneys & Lawyers
How it Works
Ross Brandborg
Alexis Saenz
Eric Alspaugh
Sam Goldstein
Samuel Pierce
Niq Howard
Gene Rhough
Ken Emanuelson
Lance Venable
Kumar Maheshwari
Minneapolis Patent Lawyers
Why Hire a Patent Lawyer
Whether this is your first time filing a patent application or you've filed a patent application in the past, there are many ways that a top Minneapolis patent attorney can help you throughout the process. There are many steps to receive a patent and making sure that your invention is eligible for a patent. These steps might include:
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Patent Search: A patent search is completed by searching databases of patents. Once an invention is patented, it cannot be patented again. A patent search helps an inventor to confirm that their invention is new and novel. If that invention isn't novel, it's not eligible for a patent. This is discovered during the patent search.
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Provisional Patent: If a thorough patent search is completed and it's concluded that your invention is eligible for a patent, then it's time to file a provisional patent. A provisional patent is similar to a reservation at a restaurant. It holds the applicant's place by giving them a filing date. An early filing date on a provisional patent application can be the difference between being the first to file a patent application on an invention and the second. Only the first person to file a patent application is eligible to own the patent.
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Non-Provisional Patent: A non-provisional patent application is the second and more complicated step when applying for a patent. The non-provisional application requires a lot of information and data about the invention. This application will be reviewed by a patent examiner and will result in either patent approval or denial. A patent denial can be appealed.
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Patent Infringement: A Minneapolis patent lawyer can also help an inventor to defend his patent in the case of patent infringement. Patent infringement is the improper use of a patented invention by someone other than the owner.
Hiring a Minneapolis patent lawyer can bring many benefits. Some of those benefits could be:
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Simplifying the patent application process.
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Keeping track of due dates and requirements when filing provisional and non-provisional patent applications.
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Representing you in court for a patent infringement lawsuit
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Can recommend if your invention is eligible for a patent, if it needs international protection, and what type of patent you should apply for.
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Can ensure full patent protection through an accurate patent application
How to Find the Best Patent Lawyer in Minneapolis
Check a patent lawyer's credentials before hiring him. A Minneapolis patent attorney should:
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Be a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association. You can check on their website to make sure that lawyers are a member in good standing.
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Have a few years of experience in patent law.
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Have experience with the type of patent you're applying for.
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Have experience with the type of invention your patent is for.
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Have experience filing patent applications.
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Have experience litigating patent infringement cases.
When seeking the help of a Minneapolis patent attorney, ensure that the lawyer is someone you can respect and work well with. A patent application is a complicated process, and it's essential that your lawyer understands everything about your invention. This means it's important that your lawyer is:
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Detail oriented
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Submits applications on time
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Has time to work with you personally
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Has the resources and connection to properly file the patent application
It's also crucial that your lawyer has the staff to support your application throughout the entire process. This might include:
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Someone experience in patent searches.
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A draftsman to create drawings and sketches of the invention.
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Paralegals or patent agents to make drafts of the patent application for his review
Once you've selected a few top Minneapolis patent attorneys who have the right credentials, ask him some important questions.
Questions for a Patent Lawyer
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Will communication be directly to you or through a paralegal or secretary?
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Will you hire a draftsman to make drawings of the invention for filing with the patent?
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What are your credentials as a patent lawyer?
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Will I need international protection for my patent?
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What's the benefit of patenting my invention?
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Is my invention something that can be patented?
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How much do you charge to prepare and file a patent application?
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How many patent applications does your firm file each year?
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What is your firm's success rate in patent application approval?
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What experience do you have with patent infringement litigation?
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How much do you charge if I need to sue for patent infringement?
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How many patent specialists work at your firm and how many years of experience do they have?
A Minneapolis patent attorney can help you will a patent search, a provisional patent application, a non-provisional patent application, or a patent infringement lawsuit. No matter what stage you are in your invention, a patent lawyer can help you to decide when it's time to submit your patent application.
Why use UpCounsel to hire a Minneapolis Patent Attorney?
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Legal Services Offered by Our On-Demand Minneapolis Patent Attorneys
Our experienced Minneapolis patent attorneys & lawyers represent individuals and businesses throughout the world with domestic and foreign patent preparation and prosecution matters. They have extensive experience handling applications from nearly every sector of technology, including biotechnology, computer hardware and software, communication networks, internet systems and methods, automotive, medical equipment, construction technology, consumer electronics, and clean technology research and development.
Our patent attorneys are of the most highly trained in the industry, requiring a scientific background, and passing a second level of testing known as the Patent Bar Examination. Thousands of patents are submitted to the patent office every day and a patent committee reviews each patent for its validity. The process requires that correctly drafted documentation present a clear case for the novelty of the invention, which is best made by a patent attorney with a higher education background in your industry.
Our Minneapolis patent attorneys & lawyers can help you file a provisional patent, which lasts for 1-year and allows you to immediately begin using/manufacturing your invention with the confidence that your idea is protected. These types of patents are great if you think your idea will change a lot over the next year before you file a (non-provisional) patent. These patents are easier to obtain and are less expensive but you should have a patent lawyer review your provisional patent application to insure that you are meeting your objectives when you file your patent.
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