Getting a patent is a complex process with many steps, regulations, and paperwork. It is estimated that approximately 75 percent of individuals trying to do so on their own fail in the first 12 months. To make the process easier and more efficient, many entrepreneurs in Chicago turn to experienced business lawyers for legal counsel and support throughout the patent process.

The process of obtaining a patent can appear intimidating, but with the help of a qualified attorney, entrepreneurs in Chicago can help protect their inventions, innovations, and creative solutions from being copied without permission. Below, we explore the process of patenting, analyze patent models, discuss the benefits of consulting a lawyer, and discuss how to find one in Chicago.

What Is a Patent?

A patent is a type of intellectual property that gives inventors exclusive rights to the creation and is awarded by the U.S. government. It gives the inventor the right to use, produce, and sell the invention for a certain length of time. In the United States, there are three types of patents, including:

Utility Patents – typically the most used option and applies to a new and useful inventions, processes, machines, and improvements of any of them.

Design Patents – this covers any kind of ornamental design work or configurations of an invention.

Plant Patents – awarded for asexually reproduced plants or hybrids.

These are awarded by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and grant inventors exclusive use and rights of their creative inventions.

Benefits of Working with an Attorney

When seeking to obtain a patent, many entrepreneurs in Chicago choose to work with experienced business attorneys who can provide guidance and advice throughout the process. Working with a qualified attorney helps protect inventors’ inventions from being copied or misappropriated as their legal counsel will provide tailored advice on the best route to protecting their invention.

Securing a patent can be a complex process, and while some entrepreneurs are able to do it alone, patent litigation requires a deep understanding of public laws and processes which is why it may be beneficial to work with an experienced attorney. Working with a knowledgeable lawyer keeps the patenting process simple and takes away the uncertainty of the process.

How to Find an Attorney in Chicago

Finding a lawyer in Chicago specializing in patenting is not difficult. UpCounsel, an online marketplace for lawyers, is a great way to find experienced lawyers for all types of legal services, including patent litigation. It is an ideal platform for entrepreneurs in search of a business lawyer specializing in patent law.

Whether in need of a one-time consultation or a full-time freelance legal department, UpCounsel provides access to experienced attorneys nationwide. Their lawyers have an average of 14 years of experience and their profiles feature ratings and reviews of their recent legal work.

Topics:

Patent,

Chicago,

Business Lawyers