Innovating a new product or idea is a huge achievement, but protecting that innovation is just as important. If you’re looking to secure exclusive rights to your invention and prevent others from profiting from it, a Granite Bay patent lawyer can help.
At Peterson Watts Law Group, LLP, our team can guide you through every step of the patent process. We can make sure your hard work is legally protected so you can focus on what matters most: bringing your vision to life.
The primary purpose of a patent is to make sure the inventor or creator of a product keeps the exclusive right to use, produce, or sell their invention for a specific period of time. In return for this protection, the inventor must publicly disclose all details of their invention, allowing others to learn from it once the patent expires.
Filing for a patent can be a complicated process, and mistakes can be costly. Fortunately, the team at Peterson Watts Law Group, LLP, can guide you through each step.
We can help by:
At Peterson Watts Law Group, LLP, our Granite Bay patent lawyers can make sure your application is properly drafted and filed, thereby increasing your chances of success.
Once you’ve secured a patent, it’s important to protect your intellectual property rights. Patent infringement happens when someone uses, manufactures, or sells a patented invention without the inventor’s permission. If someone infringes on your patent, you have the right to take legal action to stop them from continuing their unauthorized activities.
If you decide to pursue a claim for patent infringement, you can seek damages for the harm caused by the infringement, including actual damages — like lost profits — and statutory damages, which are set by law.
Another important aspect of patent law is licensing, which allows patent holders to grant permission for others to use their patented invention. Licensing agreements provide inventors with a way to monetize their patent without having to manufacture or sell the invention themselves. In these agreements, the patent holder receives royalties or lump-sum payments in exchange for allowing others to produce their product.
There are two main types of patent licenses: exclusive and non-exclusive. An exclusive license grants the licensee the sole right to use the patent, while a non-exclusive license enables several parties to use the patent. The terms of a patent license, including the duration, payment structure, and geographic scope, can vary, depending on the needs of the patent holder and the licensee.
At Peterson Watts Law Group, LLP, we can help you draft and negotiate patent licensing agreements. These can protect your interests while maximizing the value of your intellectual property. Whether you’re licensing your patent to a large company or entering into a joint venture with another inventor, we can make sure your rights are clearly defined and upheld.
For startups and small businesses, intellectual property can be one of their most valuable assets. A well-thought-out patent strategy can protect your innovations and give you a competitive edge in the marketplace. Whether you’re launching a new product, developing proprietary technology, or looking to attract investors, having a strong patent portfolio can enhance your company’s value.
At Peterson Watts Law Group, LLP, our Granite Bay patent lawyers can work with you to develop a patent strategy that aligns with your business goals, including:
A: If your patent application is rejected, you have options to move forward. You can appeal the decision to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. You could also revise your application to address the concerns raised by the examiner. This might involve amending the claims, providing additional information, or clarifying technical aspects of your invention. Our patent lawyers can guide you through the process to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
A: Yes, software inventions can be patented, but they must meet strict requirements. To be eligible for a patent, the software must demonstrate that it solves a technical problem in a specific way. It can’t just be an abstract idea or an algorithm. Also, the software must be novel, non-obvious, and useful. Because of these intricacies, consulting a patent lawyer from Peterson Watts Law Group, LLP, is crucial for making sure your software invention qualifies for protection.
A: Before applying for a patent in Granite Bay, it’s important to perform a thorough patent search to figure out if similar inventions already exist. This search can identify prior patents that could conflict with your invention, and it can guide the preparation of your own patent application. Patent databases, like the USPTO’s online tool or private services, can help with this process. Our patent attorneys can also conduct a comprehensive search on your behalf.
A: Enforcing your patent rights typically starts with sending a cease-and-desist letter to the alleged infringer, demanding they stop using your patented invention. If the issue isn’t resolved through negotiation, you can file a patent infringement claim in court. A judge could issue an injunction to prevent further infringement. They may also award monetary damages, including actual damages and, in some cases, punitive damages.
If you’re in Granite Bay or the surrounding areas and need help with patent law matters, reach out to Peterson Watts Law Group, LLP. Our team can guide you through the patent application process, defend your intellectual property rights, and protect your inventions and innovations.
Whether you need to file a patent or are looking for advice on patent licensing, we can assist you.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let’s discuss how we can safeguard your intellectual property.