Let's suppose you have a great invention that can change the world. You want to launch that product in the market but need to protect it from exploitation. To protect your invention from others, you need to patent your invention.
Who is a patent agent?
A patent agent is a USPTO registered patent practitioner qualified to represent your application. Patent agents have expertise in the patent process, technical and legal aspects.
A patent agent aspirant needs to qualify Patent Bar Examination and register with the USPTO. A patent agent also has technical or science degree. Technical knowledge helps in understanding the invention. Good moral character, proof of citizenship or lawful presence are extra requirements.
You can consult a US patent agent in San Francisco for filing a Patent Application. The patent agent will help you with the filling process of your patent application.
Before we talk about how a Patent Agents in San Francisco can help you, let's learn more about Patents.
What is a Patent?
A patent is an intellectual property right given by the government of a country. Patent gives monopoly and prevent others from using the invention without owner's approval. USPTO is a government organization who grants patents in the US.
Patent Process & Requirements
There are a specific process and requirements to get a patent. Your invention should follow the criteria provided under US Patents Act to get a Patent. Patent rights are available across the country. A typical patent process may follow following steps:
- Patent Application: The first step is to prepare a patent document. You need to write down the details of the invention. Description should follow as per the prescribed law. It should cover the title, abstract, description, and claims of the invention.
- Forms: You need to prepare requisite forms with specific information. These details include information about inventors, applicants’ assignment etc.
- Filing: You are ready to file the application once patent application and all forms are ready. Online patent filing on the USPTO portal is a convenient way of filing the application.
- Prosecution: Post filing of the application, it enters the prosecution stage. The patent office publishes the patent application and examines it. The examiner may ask for a few clarifications and issue an office action. At the end of the prosecution, the patent office will give its decision. They may issue the patent or may reject the Patent application.
Patent Agents and Patent Attorney
Sometime, patent agent and patent attorney are interchangeably used in patent matters. A patent attorney is a qualified lawyer entitled to deal with the legal matters and holds a law degree. Patent attorneys can represent in a court of law. A patent agent is a qualified USPTO registered patent practitioner. A law degree is not required to become a patent agent.
There is over 12000+ active registered USPTO agents and 36000+ attorneys. You can search for active patent practitioner on USPTO portal. Both can help you with the patent process. But one must know the differences in qualification and responsibility they have.
How can a patent agent help you?
US Patent agents in San Francisco assist inventors in patent filing process. They help in identifying prior art, drafting & patent filing application, prosecution, and grant.
As discussed, getting a patent may be a challenging process without knowledge and experience. It requires technical and legal understanding. A patent agent can help you throughout the process. He may help you with the right filing strategy. You can discuss what type of patent application one should proceed with. How many applications you should file? What are suitable countries for your inventions based on your interest. Cost of filing patent application may be high for many individuals and start-ups. A patent agent may help you in formulating right strategy to save cost and segregate expenses. It is advisable to take the help of best patent agents in San Francisco to simplify the entire process.