Minneapolis Patent Attorneys & Lawyers
How it Works
Ross Brandborg
Kanika Radhakrishnan
David Yamaguchi
Thomas Love
Ali Shalchi
Joel Douglas
Niq Howard
Ken Emanuelson
Michael Ansell
Richard Topolewski
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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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:
-
Simplifying the patent application process.
-
Keeping track of due dates and requirements when filing provisional and non-provisional patent applications.
-
Representing you in court for a patent infringement lawsuit
-
Can recommend if your invention is eligible for a patent, if it needs international protection, and what type of patent you should apply for.
-
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:
-
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.
-
Have a few years of experience in patent law.
-
Have experience with the type of patent you're applying for.
-
Have experience with the type of invention your patent is for.
-
Have experience filing patent applications.
-
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:
-
Detail oriented
-
Submits applications on time
-
Has time to work with you personally
-
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:
-
Someone experience in patent searches.
-
A draftsman to create drawings and sketches of the invention.
-
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
-
Will communication be directly to you or through a paralegal or secretary?
-
Will you hire a draftsman to make drawings of the invention for filing with the patent?
-
What are your credentials as a patent lawyer?
-
Will I need international protection for my patent?
-
What's the benefit of patenting my invention?
-
Is my invention something that can be patented?
-
How much do you charge to prepare and file a patent application?
-
How many patent applications does your firm file each year?
-
What is your firm's success rate in patent application approval?
-
What experience do you have with patent infringement litigation?
-
How much do you charge if I need to sue for patent infringement?
-
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?
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 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.
Improve Your Legal ROI with Affordable Patent Attorneys that service Minneapolis, MN.
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 9 reviews for Patents attorneys in Minnesota
Patent Consultation
"Helpful and insightful. Would recommend."
Ben S
.
Elk River,
MN,
almost 2 years ago
Patent Consultation
"Beth, was incredibly helpful in helping to navigate a patent process started by a prior attorney. She provided clarity on our possible next steps and helped reshape via CIP. Beth was a pleasure to work with and will definitely be our go to on future projects."
Natalie G
.
Lakeville,
MN,
about 3 years ago
File Utility Patent
"Kanika and her team is great and professional. I really enjoyed the experience and look forward to working with her team on more IP needs."
Rich L
.
Saint Paul,
MN,
over 3 years ago
Assist with Other Patent Matter
"Aaron was knowledgeable on the topic, respectful of the time, and provided valuable information to formulate a plan forward."
Matthew G
.
Lakeville,
MN,
over 3 years ago
File Utility Patent
"He knows what needs to be done and does it quickly."
Mark H
.
Saint Paul,
MN,
about 5 years ago
Assist with Other Patent Matter
"Kanika was a joy to work with."
Charles W
.
Saint Paul,
MN,
almost 6 years ago
Assist with Other Patent Matter
"very knowledgeable"
Eric B
.
Minneapolis,
MN,
about 6 years ago
Consult on Provisional Patent
"Richard Eldredge proposed to do a patent search, review a patent that I wrote myself, and file the patent. On 4/6 he said the patent would be filed and he would send a receipt of filing. He sent me an invoice, and I paid it. Today is 7/5, three months later. Despite numerous messages on upcounsel asking for the filing receipt, I have still not received one and am becoming suspicious if it was ever filed at all. A call to his office informed me that I had to write to him on upcounsel if I wanted to communicate with him. As of today, I still have not heard from Richard or his firm on the status of the filing of my patent. In his brief correspondence regarding the content of the patent, Richard seemed knowledgeable and experienced in patent law and customs. The administrative follow through and communication of his office is completely unacceptable though and erases any benefit his experience and expertise may bring. I would not use his services again."
Michael T. Lester, M
.
Prior Lake,
MN,
over 6 years ago
Design Patent Services
"Mike was very knowledgeable about patents and after speaking with him I am confident about my path forward. I will definitely contact him regarding future patents"
Tony G
.
Minneapolis,
MN,
over 7 years ago
Related Articles
Patent Infringement
- 12 min read
What Is Patent Infringement?
When someone sells, imports, uses, or makes a product that someone else invented without permission, patent infringement has occurred. Patent infringement is easy to do, as all patent information is public and accessible by anyone.
While it may be simple, the act is illegal. In the event a patent holder decides to sue, the court will often step in and stop the illegal activity from continuing and sometimes punish the infringer with penalties such as monetary awards to the patent holder. Since patented ideas often come with many sections or parts, it is possible to have several claims for infringement of one patent.
Stages of Patents
All patents start with an inventor coming up with an idea or design for something new and innovative. During this pre-patent stage, even though the inventor has come up with the idea, they do not own anything and are therefore
...
Read MorePatent Drawing Examples
- 8 min read
What Are Examples of Patent Drawings?
Examples of Patent Drawings can consist of charts or illustrations that you use to illustrate an invention for a patent application. If your drawing would help a reviewer understand what your invention does or how it looks, you need to include a patent drawing with your application. Most patent applications will require at least one drawing, so you should understand the elements of an effective patent drawing.
Here are a few examples of patent drawings to help illustrate the drawing formula:
- Cordless optical computer mouse and how it works on the interior
- Bicycle, including the gear and wheel mechanisms
...
Read MoreKey Takeaways:
- Patent drafting involves writing detailed descriptions and claims to ensure strong patent protection.
- Essential components include title, claims, summary, detailed description, and technical drawings.
- Effective communication between the inventor and patent attorney is crucial for a successful application.
- Clear, concise language is critical to avoid misinterpretations and ensure the patent’s enforceability.
- Common mistakes include over-simplification, over-specificity, and miswording in claims.
- Illustrations and diagrams enhance understanding and help distinguish the invention from existing products.
- Regular updates and adjustments during drafting may improve the application’s approval chances.
- Legal advice is invaluable in navigating complexities and achieving an ac
...
Read More