FAQ

What is the USPTO?

USPTO stands for the United States Patent and Trademark Office where thousands of patents are filed each year. Laymen or registered patent attorneys prepare and file a patent application to ensure the rights of patent licensure.

What is the difference between a patent agent and a patent attorney?

A patent agent must pass the patent registration examination the US Patent Office offers at hundreds of locations around the country. A patent attorney must also pass this US Patent and Trademark Office registration examination, but must, in addition, have studied law. Patent attorneys are more qualified to litigate before the US patent office in patent prosecution than patent agents.

What is the patent application fee and what is the typical patent attorney fee?

The patent application fee for filing at the US Patent and Trademark Office is approximately $80 ($160 for large corporations). If you decide to hire a registered patent attorney, one who is a highly experienced patent attorney, the fee can be in the mid to upper thousands depending on how consuming the patent litigation is.

What is patent infringement?

Patent infringement occurs when the content claimed in a patent has been utilized by someone other than the licensed right-holder, without the owner's approval or in deviation from the terms of use.

Are there specialized patent attorneys?

Yes, there certainly are. Patent attorneys range from idea patent attorneys and design patent attorneys to chemical patent attorneys, property patent attorneys and invention patent attorneys. If you are embarking on the patent process, research patent agents and patent attorneys in your area to secure a recommended patent attorney for your newly conceived invention or idea.