Boston Patent Attorneys & Lawyers
How it Works
Ross Brandborg
David Yamaguchi
Eric Alspaugh
Thomas Love
Ali Shalchi
Joel Douglas
Niq Howard
Ken Emanuelson
Thomas Greene
Peter Krehbiel
Boston Patent Lawyers
Why Hire a Patent Lawyer?
Applying for a patent is a complicated process. Although the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) doesn't require you to hire a patent attorney, due to the agency's strict requirements, it's highly recommended. Failing to hire a top patent lawyer can result in increased costs due to omissions and mistakes. The best attorneys also know that as a startup, you face unique budget challenges.
Your patent attorney in Boston can help you navigate the process to help protect your intellectual property. Here are just a few services that trusted, reputable patent attorneys will offer:
Counseling
Deciding to file a patent is the easy part. Unless you're willing to invest a lot of time and effort into research, you need professional advice. Top patent attorneys provide more than document services. They also provide essential advice about potential problems and success rates.
Patent Search
Just because you've created an original product doesn't mean that someone else hasn't already patented a similar idea. That's why performing a patent search is necessary. A patent search involves going through all issued and published patent applications to find anything that could be considered a previously existing idea. Luckily, your lawyer will do this for you.
Patent Documentation
Regardless of whether you're applying for a design patent, utility patent, or provisional patent, your Boston attorney will complete the necessary paperwork. The USPTO requires specific types of documentation, including illustrations related to your patent's design. An experienced lawyer knows how to create the most effective patent application to move the process along.
Patent Filing
Getting a U.S. patent can take up to two years or more. Your patent lawyer will file the appropriate paperwork, suggest modifications, and present technical arguments. He or she will also have experience filing patents overseas.
Inquiry Responses
In some cases, the USPTO may request additional information or have questions about your patent application. When you hire an attorney, you're already a step ahead. Your lawyer will respond to the patent examiner on your behalf, increasing the chances that your application will be approved.
How to Find the Best Patent Lawyer in Boston
Begin your attorney search by looking for lawyers who are members of the Boston Bar Association and/or the Massachusetts Bar Association. You also can request a referral from these organizations, as well as the American Bar Association.
You can also find qualified patent lawyers on websites like UpCounsel. View each lawyer's profile, review credentials, and find his or her name on a bar association website to make sure you're hiring the best.
Once you have the names of potential patent lawyers in Boston, it's time to narrow down the list. We recommend the following considerations:
- Where is the patent lawyer located?
- Does the lawyer have experience in patent law?
- Has the attorney been successful in filing similar patents?
- Are other startups or inventors looking to hire this lawyer?
- How much experience does the attorney have in filing provisional and nonprovisional patents? What about design and utility patents?
- How long has the attorney specialized in patent law?
Since you'll be working with this lawyer for at least a couple of years, if not more, it's important to feel like you can approach him or her at any time. An approachable attorney will be concerned about your case, be open to communication, and return your communication requests quickly. Ask how your lawyer plans to communicate with you and how long it usually takes to return phone calls, emails, or texts.
Cost is often a deciding factor for clients seeking legal counsel, but this isn't always the smartest decision. It's important to hire the best patent attorney you can afford.
Even filing a patent on your own can cost thousands of dollars, so why not get it done right the first time? How much your lawyer will cost will come down to location (in Boston, patent lawyers average $75 or more per hour) and type of law firm. To save the most money, go with an experienced patent attorney with little overhead rather than someone who works at a large firm.
Questions for a Patent Lawyer
- Do you represent both large and small businesses?
- Does your practice focus entirely on intellectual property?
- What kind of team will be working on my case?
- Do you assign certain tasks to other lawyers or paralegals? If so, will you supervise them?
- How do you work with your clients? And how involved will I need to be?
- How do you plan to communicate with me?
- Have you ever worked as an examiner at the USPTO?
- Have you successfully secured patents for clients similar to me?
- What is your technical background?
- Did you receive specialized training in patent law?
Why use UpCounsel to hire a Boston Patent Attorney?
Average experience
You always get experienced professionals and high caliber work.
Faster
Your work gets done quickly because professionals are always available.
More cost effective
We use technology to cut traditional overhead and save you thousands.
UpCounsel has been talked about in:
Legal Services Offered by Our On-Demand Boston Patent Attorneys
Our experienced Boston 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 Boston 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.
Improve Your Legal ROI with Affordable Patent Attorneys that service Boston, MA.
What Our Customers Have to Say
"UpCounsel gives me access to big-firm lawyers minus the big-firm price tag. I work with several attorneys on the platform and there are never surprises...I always receive quality legal work at competitive rates that larger firms simply cannot match."
"Every startup needs to know about UpCounsel. We found great attorneys at great prices and were able to focus our resources on improving our business instead of paying legal bills."
"Before UpCounsel it was hard for us to find the right lawyer with the right expertise for our business. UpCounsel solves those problems by being more affordable and helping us find the right lawyer in no time."
This is the most recent 20 reviews out of 35 reviews for Patents attorneys in Massachusetts
Patent Consultation
"My partner and I were floored by how rapidly Joel's firm and our attorney Tom were able to correct the issue of abandonment of our patent with the USPTO. They had the matter resolved in days and were so pleasant to speak to and patient in answering our questions. I look forward to working again with them in the future!"
Colleen T
.
Watertown,
MA,
over 1 year ago
Conduct a Freedom To Operate analysis
"It was a pleasure working with Ross! The communication between us was very clear and timely. It was evident that he had extensive engineering experience. Upon receiving my drawings, he immediately understood them, asked good questions, and got to work. Additionally, he was open to having as many phone calls as needed."
Ruben O
.
Boston,
MA,
over 2 years ago
File Provisional Patent
"I really appreciate and love working with Jason. From the discussions we had, I can tell that he is very knowledgeable, professional and courteous. He tries his best to help you in your work and meet your deadlines."
Adrian F
.
about 3 years ago
Provisional Patent
"Kanika is a great IP attorney, excellent insights, responsiveness and care. We are satisfied !"
Khadija K
.
Norwood,
MA,
over 3 years ago
15 Minute Patent Consultation
"Very professional!"
Alan Z
.
Boston,
MA,
about 5 years ago
Conduct Patent Search
"Ms. Radhakrishnan Ian very knowledgeable, professional and an expert that really helps us understand what we need to do in order to get our patent launched. She's very responsive and I highly recommend her to anyone needing a professional patent lawyer."
Deborah A
.
Kingston,
MA,
about 5 years ago
15 Minute Patent Infringement Consultation
"Great work!"
Stefan S
.
Boston,
MA,
over 5 years ago
File Design Patent
"Ross is efficient and got our patent filed on time.."
Sandip A
.
Arlington,
MA,
over 5 years ago
Assist with Other Patent Matter
"Was great experience with Richard... Thanks... We highly recommend him"
Maher George B
.
Methuen,
MA,
over 5 years ago
Non-Provisional Patent
"I highly recommend Kanika for anyone who is looking for a great patent lawyer. During my work with Kanika, I found she is very professional, responsible, and responsive. The work is quite challenging and requires a strong technical background. Kanika was able to quickly understand the non-trivial technical description, and delivered a very satisfactory, high quality work within a short period of time. It is a privilege and enjoyable experience to work with someone who is that professional, responsible and responsive. I strongly recommend Kanika to anyone who's looking for a great patent lawyer and of course, I'm very looking forward to work with Kanika again :)"
Ye T
.
Shrewsbury,
MA,
over 5 years ago
Conduct Patent Search
"Very professional and helpful!"
Suzanne F
.
Winchester,
MA,
over 5 years ago
Non-Provisional Patent Services
"I would recommend James' services to others. I used him for a USPTO non-provisional filing and then PCT filing. James set me up with an experienced attorney in his firm."
Terence D
.
Boston,
MA,
over 6 years ago
File Utility Patent
"Just beginning the process of turning my provisional into a non-provisional patent. So far, Jack has been great. A straight-shooter I hope to work with on many other projects."
Ralph G
.
Belchertown,
MA,
over 6 years ago
15 Minute Patent Infringement Consultation
"He addressed all my concerns very efficiently and provided me as much information as possible within the consulation."
Parul N
.
Marlborough,
MA,
over 6 years ago
File Utility Patent
"Jack is amazing. He really took my idea and made it into something that would be more valuable than I had even imagined."
Heather L
.
Shrewsbury,
MA,
over 6 years ago
Patent Consultation
"Richard is quick, efficient and knowledgeable"
Jesse S
.
Watertown,
MA,
over 6 years ago
Provisional Patent
"Kanika is very knowledgeable and knows exactly what I need for my situation."
Chris K
.
Somerville,
MA,
over 6 years ago
15 Minute Patent Consultation
"Kanika was very knowledgeable and efficient in her communication. She is a real thought partner and understands what I need."
Chris K
.
Somerville,
MA,
over 6 years ago
Conduct Patent Search
"Less than 24-hour turnaround. I provided my provisional patent documentation and Richard's team produced a nice summary of prior art found the next morning."
Dan S
.
Boston,
MA,
over 6 years ago
Assist with Patent Litigation
"Stefan was able to distill a very complex situation with 10+ year history down into a concise and articulate argument."
Michael I
.
Norfolk,
MA,
about 7 years ago
Related Articles
How to Patent a Phrase
- 7 min read
How to Patent a Phrase
While you can learn how to patent an idea here, unfortunately, it is not possible to patent a phrase. Instead, you can trademark a phrase by registering it with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Before registering, someone looking to trademark a phrase would need to make sure that it is available and not currently trademarked by anyone else.
Individuals and businesses can trademark any phrase, which has a secondary meaning that connects to a product or service.
Reasons to Trademark Your Phrase
- It helps you create unique marketing materials. A phrase can be an important part of your long-term marketing strategy. However, if your competitors profit from it, your phrase will quickly lose its value. This includes "catchphrases," which gain
...
Read MoreFirst to File
- 6 min read
First to File: What is it?
The first to file rule states that whoever is the first to file a patent on an invention owns the rights to that invention, even if it is a provisional patent or if that person didn't come up with the idea. After the America Invents Act went into effect in March 2013, the United States switched from a "first to invent" to a "first to file" rule.
Until 2013, the U.S. Patent Law used the "first to invent" rule to protect inventors. This meant that if the patent application listed two or more inventors for the same invention, the patent would be awarded to the inventor who first thought of the idea and put the invention into practice. This was the case ev
...
Read MorePatent Assignment Database
- 8 min read
What Is the Patent Assignment Database?
The Patent Assignment Database has all recorded patent information from August 1980 until now. Any time someone adds information to one of the patent records, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) adds it to the database. However, it doesn't check to make sure that the new information is correct.
How Do Patent Assignments Work?
Assignments offer flexibility. Different people can acquire different rights to a patent. One person could have the patent assignment, but a prior owner could keep a license to use the technology for free.
An interested party could only look at these documents at the USPTO. They're not available online. The best practice is for the owner of a patent to show all current and previous assignments. This is a
...
Read MoreEx Parte Reexamination
- 9 min read
What Is Ex Parte Reexamination?
Ex parte reexamination is a tool that allows a patent owner or a third party to lodge a request for the United States Patent Office (USPTO) to reexamine an already-granted patent based on other patents and publications that they bring to the USPTO's attention.
An ex parte reexamination can be requested at any time during the enforceability of the patent. The requester needs to establish that the prior art creates a substantial and new question of patentability (SNQ). The reexamination is conducted in front of a panel of three experienced examiners within a specialized unit of the USPTO called the central reexamination unit (CRU).
Ex parte reexamination proceedings involve only the patent owner and the USPTO. After the request is filed, the third-party requester is removed from further invol
...
Read More