Dependable Patent Representation
When you have invested the time, energy and resources into the creation of an invention, it is important that you have the protection you need to secure your rights to it. Obtaining a patent ensures that no one else will be able to make, use, sell, offer for sale or import your invention. There are many issues that should be considered before applying for a patent. Therefore, be sure that you seek the advice of a registered patent attorney.
At The Livingston Firm, we dedicate our entire practice to intellectual property law. We have substantial experience preparing and prosecuting provisional, non-provisional utility, design and plant patent applications. We also help you protect your trade secrets prior to applying for a patent through non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). From our offices in Naples and Fort Myers, we represent clients throughout Florida and across the country.
Provisional Patent Applications
In certain situations, provisional patent applications can be a useful tool for inventors. Once you file a provisional patent application, you have one year to file a non-provisional patent application or your patent rights will be lost. Some inventors might choose a provisional patent application if they need more time to finalize an invention or if they have publicly disclosed an invention and need to protect their intellectual property rights. However, in most cases it is more beneficial to file a non-provisional patent application.
For more information, read our newsletter on Provisional Patent Applications.
Foreign Patents
The Patent Cooperation Treaty offers a single procedure for seeking patents in multiple foreign countries. If patenting your invention outside of the United States is appropriate, we will help you file an international patent application and manage the process of securing patents in countries where they are available.
Utility Patent Maintenance Fees
In order to keep a utility patent in force, maintenance fees are required to be paid. These payments are due at 3 1/2 years, 7 1/2 years and 11 1/2 years after the issue date of a utility patent. Failure to make one of these payments results in the loss of your patent rights. As part of our service to you, we will calendar and remind you of these due dates, ensuring that your rights remain intact.
For more information, read our Newsletter on Maintaining Your IP.
Schedule an Initial Consultation
Contact our Southwest Florida offices today to discuss your questions with a lawyer. You can reach us by phone at 888-312-8170 or via e-mail.
