Design Patents
Step 2: Search for patents similar to your idea
As you may have discovered, the problem with most great ideas is that someone else has already thought of it. To be patentable, an invention must be novel and non-obvious around the world. The critical question is this: has someone else already applied for a patent? That’s the question A+ Legal will answer for you.
For you to obtain the most protection available under the law, we suggest that you order a U.S. and foreign patent search. A U.S. and foreign patent search will tell you which inventions are similar to your invention.
On your behalf, we will go to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (located near our office in the Washington, D.C. area) and search relevant records by computer and by hand. Going there in person gives us the ability to consult directly with Patent Examiners if necessary. After identifying the classes appropriate to your invention, we then hand search the relevant foreign patent records available to the Patent Examiners.
All applicable phone discussions with you, patent copies, and mailing costs will be included in the price we quote you for conducting the search. We will let you know whether you have a chance of obtaining a patent.
If your idea has a chance of being patented, we will then take steps to protect your rights until the relevant patents are obtained.
Go to Step 3
Protect your idea in anticipation of receiving
one or more patents.
| Did You Know? |
A patent protects your invention.
A patent for an invention is a grant of property rights by the U.S. Government through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The patent grant excludes others from making, using, or selling the invention in the United States. The terms "Patent Pending" and "Patent Applied For" are used to inform the public that an application for a patent has been filed. Patent protection does not start until the actual grant of a patent. Marking of an article as patented, when it is not, is illegal and subject to penalty.
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Contact our Patent
Professionals to ensure you complete the patent filing process correctly or for violation of your patent rights.
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