A patent protects some of your most valuable assets—ideas and inventions. Acquiring a patent, however, can be a complex and challenging process, nearly impossible for most non-lawyers. If you or your business has ideas that need patent protection, you need experienced patent counsel who can guide you through the patent process effectively and economically. You need a patent attorney from KLS.
When You Need Patent Protection
Not everything can be patented. When someone creates something new, patent protection is available only if the invention meets the following criteria:
- It is something new
- It is something useful
- It is non-obvious
- It is not a natural object or process
This sounds straightforward, but reasonable minds can disagree over whether an invention is truly new or non-obvious. An experienced patent attorney can assess whether you are entitled to patent protection and maximize your chances of getting the patent approved.
What Type of Patent Do You Need?
As a part of the patent process, you need to determine what type of patent is best suited for your invention. This can have both practical and strategic ramifications. At KLS, we generally deal with two types of patents:
- Utility patents that protect new articles, processes, machines, manufacturing systems, and improvements. A utility patent can protect what an invention does, how it works, and how it is used. These are the most common types of patents.
- Design patents that protect ornamental design, such as an invention’s shape or configuration. One of the most famous examples of design patents is the classic shape of a Coca-Cola bottle.
In some cases, you may not be able to obtain a utility patent, but a design patent could serve the same purpose. In other cases, you may be able to obtain both a utility and a design patent. We can help you decide what type of patent protection best suits your needs.
Foreign Patent Protection
Of course, patent protection only takes effect in the country where the patent is obtained. For individuals and businesses operating in the global marketplace, you must consider whether you also need patent protection in other countries. We can help you identify where to seek patent protection and then guide you through the process. We assist our clients with preparing and filing foreign patent applications and supervise foreign patent counsel.
Contact KLS and Let’s Discuss Your Patent Needs
Protecting your intellectual property is one of the complex areas of the law—partner with a law firm that can answer your questions and provide the guidance you need. More importantly, we can handle the patent process from start to finish so that you can focus on your business. Invest in your success by leveraging our knowledge and experience—contact KLS by phone or email to discuss how we can help.