Baltimore Patent Attorneys & Lawyers

Why Hire a Patent Lawyer?

An invention is something to be proud of and something to protect. One of the best ways to protect your invention is with a patent. A patent attorney can help you to do just that. A patent attorney in Baltimore can help you to protect your invention successfully with many patent services.

• Patent Search: To be eligible for a patent, an invention must be novel. This means the invention hasn't been patented before. A patent search is done by searching databases of inventions that have been granted patents to make sure the new invention is novel and eligible for a patent. A patent search should be completed by someone knowledgeable of patent databases such as a patent attorney.

• Provisional Patent: A provisional patent is a preliminary patent application for an invention, similar to a placeholder. A patent examiner does not assess a provisional patent, and it has no formal requirements. The provisional patent holds an early filing date but cannot mature into a patent without the filing of a nonprovisional patent application.

• Nonprovisional Patent: A nonprovisional patent application is a long, complicated, and formal application to receive a patent for an invention. There are many requirements to meet to receive patent approval. Not meeting one of those requirements can end up in a patent application denial. The patent application fees are nonrefundable. Once denied, you must either appeal or reapply.

• Patent Infringement: Once a patent has been granted, the patent holder has all rights to production and distribution of the invention protected by the patent. If there is unauthorized use of the patented invention, that is considered patent infringement. Patent infringement can be settled in court or out of court. But you'll likely need the advice of an expert patent lawyer.

Hiring a Baltimore patent lawyer can bring many benefits.

• Simplifying the patent application process.

• Saving inventors, business owners, and intellectual property owners time and hassle.

• Keeping track of due dates and requirements when filing provisional and nonprovisional patent applications.

• Disclosing the proper amount of information about the invention to receive patent approval, but not infringe upon other possible inventions or patent eligibility for the inventor.

• Represent you in court for a patent infringement lawsuit.

• Can recommend if your patent needs international protection.

• Can recommend if your invention is eligible for a patent.

• Can recommend if you need to file a provisional or nonprovisional patent application.

• Can ensure full patent protection through an accurate patent application

How to Find the Best Patent Lawyer in Baltimore

There are a few essential requirements to look for when seeking a Baltimore patent lawyer.

Your lawyer should:

• Be registered with the Maryland State Bar Association

• Be specialized in patent law

• Have proper credentials to appear before the United States Patent and Trademark Office

• Have expertise in certain technical areas such as engineering, mechanics, computers, or other spaces for invention.

Anytime you seek the services of a Baltimore lawyer, you should ensure that the lawyer is someone you can trust and consider to be honest. Top Baltimore patent attorneys offer clients a free consultation.

Make sure your lawyer has the time and expertise to take on your specific patent application or infringement case. You can also research patent attorneys online before your meeting. Make sure the patent attorney doesn't have complaints filed against him or her with the Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland.

If your invention involves computer engineering and highly technical understanding, you need to find a lawyer who's knowledgeable in that field. It wouldn't benefit you or your patent application to hire a Baltimore patent attorney who is most knowledgeable about plant patent applications.

Before hiring a Baltimore patent attorney, take some time to meet your lawyer and get to know him or her. This is a great time to ask your potential lawyer some important questions.

Questions for a Patent Lawyer

• What's the benefit of patenting my invention?

• Is it necessary to hire a patent attorney when filing a patent?

• Should I file a provisional or nonprovisional patent application?

• What's your process for writing and submitting a patent application?

• Have you worked as a patent examiner at The United States Patent And Trademark Office (USPTO)?

• When communicating with your office, will I communicate with you, a paralegal, or a secretary?

• How much does a patent application cost?

• How much do you charge to prepare and file a patent application?

• How many patent searches does your firm do each year?

• 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?

Whether you're still tinkering with your invention or are ready to put a product on the market that needs patent protection, a Baltimore patent attorney can help you will a patent search, a provisional patent application, a nonprovisional patent application, or a patent infringement lawsuit.