Patentability Search based on a client's invention disclosure, we search the records of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for U.S. and foreign patents and literature relevant to the invention. Our report letter gives our opinion on patentability and the estimated costs involved in filing and prosecuting a patent application.

State of the Art Search provides a client with relevant U.S. patents in a specific field of endeavor.

Infringement Search provides a search of the records of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for patents that may be infringed by a client's invention.

Validity Search includes a search of the records of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for "prior art" that may invalidate a patent.

A patent application is prosecuted before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a period of approximately nine months to two years prior to issuance of a patent. We handle interviews; preparing responses; expediting examination; and Information Disclosure Statement (IDS). There are several procedures that may be used to expedite the prosecution of a patent application. Not every application becomes a patent usually because of prior art.

A patent can be the subject of numerous and varied licenses and assignments. We represent clients in negotiating assignments and licenses of their patents and/or know-how.

1. Specification plus claim(s) in English. Applicant can be inventor(s) or assignee. No claims required for a Provisional application. In an emergency, foreign language specification can be used, with additional charges. Specification for Design Patent is usually a brief description of the drawings which must show a view from every side of claimed object; the views (Figures) must have surface shading. Application must include a claim.



2. Completely filled in, signed and dated declaration including power of attorney accompanying the specification; no legalization or notarization required. Email or facsimile copy is acceptable for all documents except a priority document. The declaration can be subsequently filed with a late filing fee. No declaration is required for a Provisional application.



3. One set of drawings is required if applicable; however, must file formal drawings if and when required.



4. Priority document can be filed anytime up to Issue Fee with a fee but should claim priority and file the certified copy of the priority document(s) within four months of the U.S. filing date.



5. Assignment can be filed anytime. Do not need original. No notarization or legalization required. Only signature of the assignor(s) is/are required.



6. All documents for filing Utility, Design, or Plant Patents must be completed before execution by inventor(s) or assignee(s). U.S. Patent Lawyers or Agents are prohibited from filing in or changing documents after signature by applicant(s) or assignee(s), except for minor changes in the specification.



7. Whenever an individual making a declaration cannot understand English, the declaration should be in a language such individual can understand or be explained to him.



8. You must promptly disclose to the PTO all pertinent prior art that inventor(s), assignee(s) or instructing agent learns of, up to and after patenting in U.S.



9. The patent specification must set forth the best mode known to the inventor(s) as of the filing date of the U.S. application.



10. "Small Entity" ---To obtain benefit of "small entity" reduced fees, a declaration should be filed at or before the time the fee is due, signed by at least one inventor, or assignee, provided none of his rights are obligated to another "small entity". If so obligated an individual authorized to sign for such other "small entity" should sign another declaration. Only one "small entity" declaration need be filed by each entity having an interest in each application. PTO must be notified of any change of status resulting in loss of "small entity" status, and higher fees paid thereafter. No refunds possible from PTO for fees paid prior to the filing of a "small entity" declaration unless: (a) "small entity" declaration is filed within 3 months of the payment of the higher fee; and (b) a request for refund is filed which we will do.