Intellectual Property
Patent Filings
Turn Your Great Idea Into A Protected Asset
Deciding whether to get a patent starts with understanding why you are considering applying for a patent.
Most people choose to patent their invention for:
- Profit
- Recognition
- Protection
The United States has a First-to-File system for determining priority. The first person to invent and file a specific invention or process has the right to be granted a patent.
Fargo Patent & Business Law can take you step by step through the entire patent process. We are here to answer all your questions.
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. Learn more about Non-Provisional Patents.
Provisional:
Provisional applications help you secure patent rights by establishing a priority date with the USPTO for your invention. 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.