Detroit Patent Attorneys & Lawyers
How it Works
Ross Brandborg
Kanika Radhakrishnan
Richard Eldredge
David Yamaguchi
Alexis Saenz
Thomas Love
Richard Topolewski
Stephen Kontos
Cary Brooks
Diana Olesko
Detroit Patent Lawyers
Why Hire a Patent Lawyer
If you're considering a patent for an invention or find yourself in need of a lawyer because your patent has been infringed upon, there are several ways that a Detroit patent attorney can be of help to you.
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Patent Search: A patent search is the first step in deciding whether or not your invention is eligible for a patent. Anyone can complete a patent search, but it's best completed by a patent search expert. To complete a patent search, you must search the databases of all previously approved patents. You're searching the databases to make sure that your invention wouldn't infringe upon any previously granted patents. As long as your invention is new and novel, you can move on to the patent application process.
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Patent Application: The patent application process is a complicated, multi-step process. During the patent application process, there's the provisional and non-provisional patent application. When you and your patent attorney submit your non-provisional application, it's important that you meet all of the requirements set forth by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. If those requirements aren't met, it's likely that your patent application will be denied. After a patent denial, you can either appeal the decision or submit a new application that meets the demands of the USPTO.
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Patent Infringement: A patent lawyer can also help you to protect your patent against patent infringement. Patent infringement can result in a fine for the infringer. Patent infringement is any unauthorized use of an invention that is protected by a patent.
There are also different kinds of patents. A top Detroit patent attorney can help you to know which type of patent is right for your invention. The different types of patents might include:
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Utility Patent: A utility patent is what is commonly known as an invention patent. A utility patent can protect anything that is a new or improved product, process, or machine. The major stipulation to be approved for a utility patent is that the product must be useful.
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Design Patent: A design patent protects the ornamental or aesthetic design of a product. For example, the shape of a Coca-Cola bottle is protected by a design patent.
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Plant Patent: A plant patent is just what it sounds like, a patent to protect a new type of plant. The new plant must be created or discovered and asexually reproduced to be eligible for a plant patent.
How to Find the Best Patent Lawyer in Detroit
When choosing a Detroit patent attorney, it's important that you choose the best lawyer for you and a lawyer that has all the right credentials for your patent application or patent infringement case. A top Detroit patent attorney should have the following qualifications.
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Your lawyer should be a member of the State Bar of Michigan and be allowed to practice law in the state.
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Your lawyer should be in good standing and have no complaints filed with the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission.
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Your lawyer should have experience working in patent law and patent infringement litigation.
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Your lawyer should have the time to take on your case and be able to dedicate fully to your patent application process.
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Your lawyer should have expert experience in the type of patent that you're applying for. Many patent lawyers also have a bachelor's degree or specialization in one type of patent law.
Before hiring a Detroit patent lawyer, take the time to meet and discuss your needs. Top patent attorneys in Detroit offer a free first-time consultation. This consultation is also the time to assess if your personality meshes with that of the lawyer. A patent application is a collaboration between patent lawyer and inventor. The inventor knows their invention the best and will need to describe the invention in great detail to the lawyer writing the patent application.
Questions for a Patent Lawyer
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Is it necessary to hire a patent attorney when filing a patent?
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Should I file a provisional or nonprovisional patent application?
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Will communication be directly to the lawyer or through a paralegal or secretary?
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Have you worked as a patent examiner at The United States Patent And Trademark Office (USPTO)?
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Will I need international protection for my patent?
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How much does a patent application cost? How much do you charge?
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How many patent searches does your firm do each year?
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How many patent applications does your firm file each year? What is your patent approval rate?
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How can I maintain and protect my patent?
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What experience do you have with patent infringement litigation?
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How many patent specialists work at your firm and how many years of experience do they have?
If you have questions about the benefit of a patent for your invention or what information must be included in a patent application, a Detroit patent attorney can help. A Detroit patent lawyer can help at any stage of your patent application, whether you need a patent search, a provisional patent application, a non-provisional patent application, or a patent infringement lawsuit.
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Legal Services Offered by Our On-Demand Detroit Patent Attorneys
Our experienced Detroit 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 Detroit 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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Keep track of how you shape your product or process during the concept stage.
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