North Carolina Patent Lawyer

North Carolina Patent Attorney

If you invent a unique way to do something or a new physical product, you should consider getting a patent to protect your legal rights. You can obtain a patent to protect all types of inventions and intellectual property, and a North Carolina patent lawyer can answer any questions you have about the patent process.

Understanding the Definition and Purpose of a Patent

By definition, a patent is an exclusive right given to your invention. Patents provide inventors with legal, enforceable protection for their inventions.

A patent will protect your ideas, and you will be the only one who will profit from what you invented. No one else will be able to manufacture or distribute your product without a valid license. Patents cannot last forever, but a recorded, enforceable patent can provide you with legal patent protection for many years.

How to Obtain an Enforceable Patent

Often, a company will apply for a patent to protect its inventions or brands. An individual can also apply for a patent to keep their work safe. Before deciding to go through the lengthy patent application process, you should make sure your invention is one-of-a-kind and unique in the current market.

Consulting with a skilled patent attorney is one of the most effective ways to tackle these issues well before you put significant time into a patent application.

Reasons to Hire a North Carolina Patent Attorney

Securing a patent can be time-consuming. The process can include:

• Compiling documents for the patent application
• Drafting the application
• Fielding United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) questions
• Appealing if your application is denied
• Handling potential infringement disputes
• Negotiating if necessary to resolve any conflicts

The process can be a lot for one person to handle without assistance. With a patent lawyer, you can rest assured someone is by your side and working to protect your intellectual property.

How to Decide if a North Carolina Patent Attorney Can Protect Your Work and Assist With Your Legal Matters

There are many ways to ensure you find the right patent counsel:

• The attorney can give you an estimate of all end-to-end costs/future costs.
• They use referrals to obtain clients (rather than advertisements).
• They double-check that your invention is unique without market competition.
• They act in a timely manner, and the process goes as quickly as possible.
• They’re truthful about their representation strategy.
• They have a high success rate in cases similar to yours.

Remember, an attorney can protect your work and assist with any matters arising from your patent.

How to Figure Out if The Attorney You’re Considering Is Trustworthy

There are a few ways to decide if the patent attorney you are thinking about hiring is trustworthy. They should help determine whether your invention already exists and explain the importance of conducting this search. Also, they should give you a total sum of the patent costs in writing. Finally, they should explain the pros and cons of intellectual property protections. If they fail to complete these steps, they may not be trustworthy.

North Carolina Patent FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Patent Lawyer Cost in the US?

A: The costs of patent lawyer retention will vary depending upon their experience, the patent application package, and your intellectual property. A patent attorney must register with the United States Patent Office (USPTO) and have competency in and knowledge of the patent system. Patent lawyers usually charge:

• An hourly rate
• A flat fee
• A contingency fee, or
• For work in exchange for an interest in the patent.

Attorneys should explore the fee arrangement that works for clients.

Q: Do You Need a Lawyer to Get a Patent?

A: No, you do not need to retain an attorney to file a patent application in North Carolina. However, an attorney is often a valuable resource, and the USPTO recommends hiring an attorney to help with the application and proceedings in the USPTO.

Your lawyer will draft an error-free patent application with supporting documents to show what your invention is about. They may include helpful visuals, plus an attorney will make sure the application follows all rules and regulations.

Q: What Is the Difference Between a Patent Attorney and a Lawyer?

A: A patent attorney is similar to a lawyer, but there are some minor differences. A patent attorney:

• Has knowledge of intellectual property law.
• Is a legal professional who will protect and keep an inventor’s property rights secure.
• Has meticulously studied to pass a patent bar exam and can represent clients in communications with the USPTO.

While the terms lawyer and attorney are often used interchangeably, lawyers conduct research and give advice, and they cannot represent clients if they have not taken the bar exam.

Q: What Is the Background of a Patent Lawyer?

A: A patent lawyer is a skilled intellectual property attorney. They can provide legal counsel, draft contracts, and non-disclosure agreements, and they can represent you in court. They hold a legal degree and have received formal education in a scientific or technical area.

Patent lawyers have:

• A Bachelor of Science
• Master of Science, or
• A Ph. D.

In contrast, a patent agent:

• Is someone licensed by the USPTO
• Can assist inventors with patent applications
• Can’t draft contracts, provide representation in any court proceedings, or give legal advice

Experienced Patent Attorneys Who Are on Your Side

When you’re ready to share your original idea with the world, it is important you protect your intellectual property. When you hire a skilled attorney, you can save yourself a considerable amount of time and energy to stay focused on your business and personal responsibilities. Whether you need help starting the patent process or need support for an already-existing legal battle, you can put your trust in our accomplished patent attorneys.

At Trego, Hines & Ladenheim, PLLC, our practice is solely devoted to patents and other intellectual property protection. We are often given the chance to work with clients when something positive is happening in their lives, including the creation of a cutting-edge invention or new brand.

Our award-winning team of patent attorneys is ready to help protect your valuable intellectual property. We assist clients locally in North Carolina and all over the country. No matter where you are located in the United States, we can carefully review your intellectual property and discuss the appropriate legal solutions for your situation. To find out more about how we can help you and your business, contact us today.