Las Vegas Patent Attorneys & Lawyers

Why Hire a Patent Attorney?

A patent protects your intellectual property and prevents others from producing, marketing, and selling a similar invention. There are over 280,000 patents filed every year, and nearly 300,000 utility patents were granted in 2015 alone. This is a crowded space with intense competition. Though the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) allows anyone to file for a patent, it's best to have a knowledgeable patent attorney guide you through the process.

Las Vegas inventors can get assistance from the Nevada Inventors Association to guide them in their business efforts. However, this valuable resource is no substitution for a patent attorney. The right attorney will help with:

• Choosing the Right Patent: You have many different options when it comes to filing a patent. You may need a utility patent for inventions such a new technological device, chemical composition, or research methodology, or a design patent for a non-functional creation such as an interior design concept.
• Filing in the Appropriate Order: Filing a patent involves several steps. A provisional application is the first step for most inventors. This provides a 12-month window in which the applicant can file a utility patent. A non-provisional patent is more complex, but only this will lead to an actual patent. You may also choose to file for international patent protection. You should file for protection under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) within a year of your U.S. patent application. This provides you with 30 months to file for protection in countries that participate in the treaty.
• Understanding Your Patent Search Results: You can only file for a patent if you have an original invention or idea. This is the most difficult part of the patent process. A patent attorney will help you assess the competition and determine how you can distinguish your patent from others.

In your search for a patent attorney, you may also find professionals known as patent agents. A patent agent can assist with the application process but lacks the legal qualifications and expertise to represent you in cases of patent licensing or patent infringement. Choose a Las Vegas, Nevada, patent attorney for the most comprehensive services.

How to Find the Best Patent Attorney

There are significant differences between patent attorneys. Choosing the wrong person to assist you in this effort can result in a patent denial from the USPTO. Make sure you're choosing the most qualified person for your project, while still staying within your allotted budget. 

Choose your patent attorney based on the following:

• Ability to Understand Your Patent: Patent attorneys must have a degree in an area that provides specific technical expertise they can apply to patents. This might include chemistry, engineering, pharmacology, or other similar areas. Make sure your attorney has a degree in an area that's relevant to your invention. Whether you're patenting a new piece of digital technology or a beauty formula, there's a Las Vegas patent attorney equipped to deal with your application.
• Experience with Patent Filing: If your patent is in a highly competitive area where there are several similar patents already on file, you should look for an attorney that has a long history with similar cases. However, if your patent is fairly straightforward with minimal competition, you can probably choose a more affordable attorney who may be newer to the arena.
• Qualified Background: Patents are a matter of exclusive federal law. You don't have to work with a Las Vegas patent attorney to file a valid patent. However, you should look for someone who is licensed with the Nevada State Bar to ensure that they have a strong educational background and good standing in the state.

Make sure you hire someone who is licensed as a patent attorney and not simply a patent agent. An agent can assist you with the paperwork associated with patent filing, but they have not passed the USPTO patent bar exam. If you later need assistance with a case of patent infringement or patent licensing, an agent will not be able to assist you, while an attorney can continue to meet your needs. Many patent attorneys are also experienced in other areas of business law that you may find useful.

The right Las Vegas patent attorney will help you protect your invention and ensure that any future profits from your idea will belong to you.

Questions for a Patent Attorney

• What do you charge for your services, and how are your services billed?
• Will I get a free consultation for our initial meeting?
• Will you provide your patentability opinion for my invention in writing?
• Who is responsible for completing your patent search and what are their qualifications?
• What types of clients do you typically work with?
• How do you meet with your clients? Do you take primarily in-person meetings, or conduct your business via phone and email?

Once you've found the right fit, you'll be able to successfully file your Las Vegas patent with the greatest chance of success.