Wheeling Patent Attorneys & Lawyers

Key Takeaways

• A design patent search is essential to avoid infringing on existing design rights.
• Free and advanced search tools, such as the USPTO Patent Public Search (PPUBS), offer access to U.S. design patents.
• The USPTO Design Search Code Manual helps users search based on visual features rather than keywords.
• Advanced search techniques require understanding of classification codes and structured search syntax.
• Failing to perform a thorough search can lead to wasted filing fees and application rejection.

What Is a Design Patent Search?

A design patent search involves searching existing patents to make sure your design has not already been patented. A design patent is available for original, new, and

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Key Takeaways

• The best patent search engines include USPTO, Google Patents, Espacenet, WIPO’s PATENTSCOPE, and PatSnap.
• AI-driven platforms like PatSeer, Orbit Intelligence, and Derwent Innovation enhance analytics, visualization, and competitive intelligence.
• Free tools work well for basic prior-art searches; paid tools provide advanced analytics, citation maps, and AI-powered insights.
• Combining multiple databases ensures a more accurate and complete patent search.
• After performing your initial search, a qualified patent attorney on UpCounsel can help confirm patentability and file your application correctly.

What Is a Patent Search?

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Key Takeaways:

• The cost of obtaining a patent varies based on the type of patent, complexity of the invention, attorney involvement, and additional post-filing expenses.
• Filing a provisional patent application is the most affordable way to secure "patent pending" status, typically costing $130 to $300, with attorney fees increasing the cost.
• Utility patents are more costly, ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, while design patents cost between $2,000 and $4,000.
• Additional expenses include patent searches ($1,000 to $3,000), office action responses ($1,000 to $

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Key Takeaways

• Intellectual property (IP) protection safeguards inventions, creative works, and branding elements through patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
• Strong IP protection helps businesses maintain a competitive edge, attract investors, and increase valuation.
• The World Trade Organization’s TRIPS Agreement sets international standards for IP enforcement and dispute resolution.
• IP protection can extend globally through international treaties like the Madrid Protocol (for trademarks) and the Patent Cooperation Treaty (for patents).
• Digital IP protection now includes cybersecurity and online enforcement tools to prevent infringement in e-commerce and

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Key Takeaways

• Utility patent costs can range from $6,000 to over $15,000, depending on complexity.
• USPTO fees include application, search, examination, and maintenance, with discounts for micro and small entities.
• Attorney fees vary by invention type and complexity; flat-fee and capped-fee options may be available.
• Provisional patent filings are cheaper upfront and offer “patent pending” status for a year.
• Costs can be reduced by filing electronically, performing your own patent search, or starting with a provisional application.

The utility patent cost includes a $540 patent search fee, a $220 examination fee, a $330 application filing fee, and possibly a patent lawyer's legal fees which can exceed $10,000. The utility patent lasts 20 years from the date of the original application filing and includes maintenance fees that are billed every few years as follows:

• 3.5 years - $980
• 7.5 years - $2,580

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