Fargo

(701) 566-7571

Murrieta

(951) 331-3911

Colorado Springs

(719) 867-4004

Fargo

Murrieta

Colorado Springs

Patent Attorneys

Intellectual Property

Turn Your Great Idea Into A Protected Asset

At Fargo Patent & Business Law, we understand that filing for a patent is a large step in your business journey. Trust a patent law firm with a team that has the experience of filing thousands of patents to help you work towards protecting your idea. Our patent attorneys can guide you through the entire patent process, working towards giving your intellectual property the comprehensive protection it deserves. With the United States’ First-to-File system determining priority, filing a patent is urgent and becomes a crucial step in safeguarding your inventive brilliance. Fargo Patent & Business Law is here to address all your questions and lead you step by step towards a successful patent application.

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Patent Services

Non-Provisional:

Applications that achieve a patent. A Non-provisional patent application is what most people consider a patent application.  Fargo Patent and Business Law can file both Utility Applications and Design Applications.  

Utility patents protect the way an article is used or works (Process, Machine, Manufacture, or Composition of Nature).  A Design Patent protects the way an article looks.

Provisional:

Provisional applications help you secure patent rights by establishing a priority date with the USPTO for your invention. Working with our patent attorneys on a provisional patent applications can be a good first step in commercializing an idea.

To read more about provisional applications, click here. 

Patent Office Action Responses:

Fargo Patent & Business Law can assist you in responding to rejections, objections, or other correspondence from the USPTO. After you submit your patent, the US Patent & Trademark Office may ask questions, raise objections or rejections regarding your application. 

We will assist with responding to any questions, rejections, or objections raised by the USPTO. Different office actions require different response as you continue to proceed with the patent application process. Whether you receive a non-final office action or a final office action, we will help with the next steps.

Preliminary Patentability Search:

A Preliminary Patentability Search (sometimes referenced as a Preliminary Patentability Opinion) is a search to determine whether something is even patentable. Prior art searches are conducted to make this determination.The goal is to provide a relative certainty (80%) as to whether something is patentable.

Prior art searching is at the core of determining whether an idea is patentable. An invention must be useful, novel, and not obvious.

Freedom to Operate Searches:

These searches help to determine if a product is likely infringing on a patent.

Design Patent Applications:

A design Patent provides legal protection for the way an article (item) looks. You may apply and be granted a design patent if your product has a distinct configuration, surface, look, appearance, etc.

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At Fargo Patent & Business Law, we stand out by prioritizing our clients and providing comprehensive patent services. We tailor a patent strategy to assist in securing your intellectual property. Effective communication is paramount, ensuring you’re always informed, and we continue to support you even after the patent process is complete. Trust us to protect your intellectual property with unwavering dedication and ongoing assistance.

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Meet Our Patent Team

FAQ

Commonly Asked Patent Questions

What is a Patent?
A patent is a legal right granted by the government to inventors, providing them with exclusive ownership and control over their inventions. In the United States, this exclusivity allows patent holders to prevent others from making, using, selling, or importing the patented invention without permission. Patents typically cover processes, machines, manufactures, or compositions of matter. Essentially, a patent grants inventors a monopoly over their innovative ideas, encouraging creativity, innovation, and the protection of intellectual property rights.

Our team of skilled patent attorneys is dedicated to helping you secure your intellectual property rights effectively. By obtaining a patent, you not only protect your invention but also gain a powerful tool to set your business apart, create a competitive edge, and achieve long-term success.

Why should I get a Patent?
At Fargo Patent & Business Law, we believe that the decision to pursue a patent should be driven by a clear understanding of its purpose and value. Before jumping into filing a provisional or nonprovisional patent application, it’s crucial to assess the potential value a patent could bring to your business.

A patent’s true value lies not solely in the rights it provides but in how well it aligns with your business plan. As each business plan varies significantly, we encourage inventors to carefully consider how the patent application fits into their overall strategy.

Our skilled patent attorneys are here to help you draft a patent application that best suits your needs. By clearly understanding your entrepreneurial goals, we can tailor the application to maximize its effectiveness and ensure it aligns with your business objectives.

Through a comprehensive understanding of your invention and business aspirations, we’ll guide you in making informed decisions about the patenting process, safeguarding your intellectual property and advancing your business goals simultaneously.

When should I get a Patent?
When considering the right time to file a patent application, entrusting Fargo Patent & Business Law with your intellectual property needs is crucial. Our experienced intellectual property attorneys will guide you through the decision between filing a provisional or a nonprovisional patent.

Timing is critical, as delays can lead to permanent loss of valuable intellectual property rights. If you’ve publicly disclosed your invention, it’s essential to file a patent application within one year to protect your rights. Under the United States’ First-to-File system, the first person to file has the priority for patent rights. To ensure you secure your invention’s rights, we recommend promptly filing a patent application if you suspect someone else might do so.

If your idea isn’t fully developed yet, starting with a provisional patent may be a suitable option. Our legal experts will assist you in determining the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring your intellectual property is safeguarded every step of the way.

How do I get a Patent?
At Fargo Patent & Business Law, our patenting process begins with a comprehensive patent search. This vital step helps determine the patentability of your idea. After the search, we proceed with filing a provisional patent application. The provisional patent grants you one year of patent pending status and allows ample time to prepare a nonprovisional patent application. Our experienced patent lawyers will assist you in filing the nonprovisional application, which can claim priority to all pending provisional applications. This step ensures that your intellectual property rights are properly asserted for your desired invention.

The patent application process typically takes around 3-4 years when initiated with a provisional patent. Throughout this period, we will diligently guide you through the necessary steps and handle the complexities of the application process, ensuring the best possible outcome for your patent.

How much does it cost to file a patent?

The cost of filing a patent can vary based on several factors. Some key considerations include:

  • Government Fees: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) charges application fees, which can vary depending on the type of patent and the number of claims.
  • Patent Search: Conducting a patent search is essential to assess the novelty of your invention. Our team can provide you with cost estimates for a thorough patent search.
  • Drawings and Illustrations: Depending on your invention, you may need detailed drawings or illustrations. We can discuss the cost of creating these visuals as part of the patent application.
  • Maintenance Fees: After obtaining a patent, there are maintenance fees to keep the patent in force for its full term. Our team can inform you about these fees and the payment schedule.
What is the patent filing process?

The patent filing process involves a series of steps to work towards securing legal protection for your invention. Here is an overview of the typical patent filing process we use at Fargo Patent & Business Law:

  1. Invention Disclosure
  2. Conduct a Novelty Search
  3. Prepare File and Patent Application
  4. Patent Issuance Continuation
  5. Maintenance Fees
  6. Build Out Your IP Portfolio

You can lean more about the Fargo Patent & Business Law patent process here.

Can I file a patent myself?

Yes, however the process is complex, and errors could lead to rejection and additional cost. Working with our experienced patent attorneys maximizes your chances of success. We’ll guide you through the application, ensuring comprehensive protection for your invention and defending your intellectual property rights effectively. Partnering with Fargo Patent & Business Law ensures experienced guidance towards a successful patent application.

What are the top 3 criteria required to file a patent?

Tthe three main criteria required to file a patent are:

1. Novelty: To be eligible for a patent, the invention must be new and never disclosed or publicly known before the filing date. It should not have been patented or described in a printed publication anywhere in the world.

2. Non-Obviousness: The invention must also be non-obvious to a person skilled in the relevant field. In other words, the invention should involve an inventive step or unexpected advancement beyond what is already known.

3. Utility: Lastly, the invention must have a practical utility, meaning it should be useful and have a specific, credible, and substantial purpose or function.

At Fargo Patent & Business Law, our experienced patent attorneys will work closely with you to ensure that your invention meets these essential criteria and guide you through the patent application process to protect your intellectual property effectively.

Still have questions?

Contact Fargo Patent & Business Law today, and let our patent attorneys guide you on the right path to protecting your idea.

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