Think you have a new idea or invention? Our patent attorney is here to help!
First, you need a Patent Attorney! Call our patent attorney today! The call is free and completely confidential. All disclosures to a patent attorney are protected by the attorney client privilege.
The Powerful Advantage of Patent Protection
- Patents are Possibly the Most Powerful type of Intellectual Property Rights – Although the protection for patents is limited to twenty years, the protection is absolute – no one can manufacture or use your utility patent during this time, and if it is a utility patent no one can use your “recipe” during that time
- Patent Infringement Does Not Require Intent – Infringement on a patent does not require intent to be guilty of infringement – making it easier to secure lucrative royalties or damages from the infringer
- You Do Not Have to Hide Your Invention – Unlike trade secrets which the owner must constantly protect from unauthorized use, when you file a patent it is now public information – but nobody can use it
- Patent Law is Federal Law – Once your patent has been filed (assuming it is not rejected by the USPTO) your patent is valid and enforceable throughout the United States
- Licensing is Particularly Valuable for Patents – Because no one can use the invention unless the inventor gives them permission, relatively small non-corporate inventors can still effectively market their plans to bigger companies
Patent Applications We Handle
- Provisional Patent Application-this is a utility patent application with provisional status. A provisional patent application remains on file with the USPTO for one year. On anniversary date of its filing, it will expire unless it is converted to a non-provisional application.
- Non-Provisional Patent Application-this is a utility patent application which will be examined by the Patent Office and which will form the basis for a patent.
- Design Patent Application-this application is for a new and non-obvious ornament or design. A design patent application is examined by the Patent Office and forms the basis for a design patent.
- International Patent Application-Â this is also called a Paris Cooperation Treaty application or PCT. The international patent application for design patents is filed under the Hague System for International Registration of Industrial Designs. Please note, these applications are not truly international. However, the examination process has been streamlined to make it more suitable for international review.
How Can a Patent Attorney Help?
We are on your side and we try to help you turn your idea into an asset that will work for you. A patent attorney can help you with your idea or invention in the following ways:
- A patent attorney is able to take immediate steps toward protecting or enforcing your inventor rights;
- A patent attorney can explain how the patent process works;
- A patent attorney can explain how you can obtain a patent pending status;
- A patent attorney may also be able to provide a non binding assessment of your chances in securing a patent;
- A patent attorney can usually also assist in identifying the right engineer or manufacturer for your device.
Did You Know?
- A design or a utility patent pending status is achieved as soon as the application is filed.
- A patent pending status does not mean that the inventor has exclusivity in practicing the invention, but it does mean that the inventor has initiated the process that is likely to result in a patent being issued on the invention.
- While an application is patent pending, an inventor may not petition for a court order to stop infringement (injunction), but the inventor may put an infringing party on notice of the pending patent application. Once the patent issues, the infringing party would then be liable for treble damages, and in addition to that, the inventor may be able to recover a reasonable royalty for the entire period during which the application was pending, but not yet issued.
- Filing a provisional utility application for a patent is faster, less formal and cheaper than filing a non-provisional utility application. Ask the patent attorney for the difference between a provisional and a non-provisional application.
Planning to Get a Patent in More than One Country?
Filing in more than one county under the Paris Cooperation Treaty (PCT) is fraught with various rigid deadlines and formal requirements. Speak to a patent attorney today to ensure that your invention remains eligible for patent protection outside the United States.
Your New Jersey Patent Attorney
We are patent attorneys. At Kaplan Law Practice, LLC., we focus on turning good ideas into protected inventions (Kaplan Law Practice will go to battle for you, but there are no guarantees). A good idea is a great business opportunity. A great business opportunity leads to financial success and security for you! But beware, success breeds emulators, wannabes and knock-offs, and that where a patent is going to be critical. A patent means that the inventor or assignee (one to whom the patent was assigned by the inventor) holds a monopoly or exclusive rights to manufacture and sell the patented product or service. If anyone tries to steal or squat on a patented idea, they risk stiff civil penalties and federal scrutiny, and may even end up reimbursing the patent holder for legal fees expended in enforcing the patent
Once a patent is issued, or even during the examination phase of your patent application, the inventor or the assignee may, license the invention for use by others. Licensing can be exceedingly lucrative. But the right agreement is essential. Here again, the patent attorney at Kaplan Law Practice, LLC., will assist the patent holder with drafting and negotiating the right contractual terms.
If this describes your situation, call us right away! When opportunity knocks on your door, we can harness it for you with effective contracts.
If you use or plan to use your invention to generate income, it needs to be protected with a patent!
Do not be tempted to conclude that your idea is too simple, too complex, has limited application or distribution potential. If you can turn your invention into a revenue stream, then you can be sure there will be others looking to do the same with your idea. To discourage knock offs, you need a patent. A patent gives you a limited term monopoly, or exclusive rights to produce, import and distribute the patented invention.
How much does a patent cost?
Less than you think, and probably less then what our competition charges. Kaplan Law Practice LLC will work within your budget and do its best to ensure that your rights to protect your inventions are not undermined by lack of funds. So do the right thing and include intellectual property into your startup costs. It is likely to turn into a very valuable investment.
More About Our Patent Practice
At Kaplan Law Practice, the experienced attorneys understand that an idea is one of the first steps to a successful venture.
It is a fact that having a patent, or even a pending application for a patent, significantly increases your chances of raising capital, securing investment or finding production and distribution venues. However, we understand that the startup phase is almost never synonymous with cash flow. But do not worry, we will still work very hard to get you the best patent you need to establish and safeguard your enterprise, and we will make every effort to keep our rates affordable. Flat fees and payment plans are available in most situations. Do take a minute to contact Joshua Kaplan of Kaplan Law Practice, to discuss your chances of obtaining a patent that you need and deserve. The firm maintains offices in Fair Lawn, New Jersey (Bergen County) and on Midtown Manhattan. So getting an appointment is never a problem.
Patents Infographic
Trade Secrets
Did you know that a Patent is not for everyone? That right, sometimes your idea is better protected if it is kept a secret. A trade secret is another method in protecting your invention without the requirement or a long patent process or a full public disclosure. However, one must be careful when trying to maintain and enforce trade secrets. Contact Kaplan Law Practice, LLC., today to discuss your options. Note that because of the nature of patent law, our patent practice extends beyond New York and New Jersey, to the other 48 states.
Prior Art Analysis
In an effort to save you money and time, we recommended that you perform a prior art search before filing a patent application. At Kaplan Law Practice. LLC., we perform thorough, worldwide prior art searches to determine the state of the art relevant to your invention. We keep the search fee artificially low to encourage investment into prior art searching and discovery.
Patent Drafting, Including Diagrams
Kaplan Law Practice LLC., will work with the inventor on a one-on-one basis do develop an accurate description that does not?compromise the overall scope of your future Patent. Over the years, we have developed a unique approach to patent drafting and diagramming that results in broad and varied patent applications. To further save you money, we will accept your diagrams in exchange for a fee reduction, provided that these diagrams satisfy formal requirements and accurately depict your invention.
Due Diligence Studies
Please contact us today if you are planning a business venture or setting up manufacturing or importation of products! Not doing sufficient due diligence research into existing prior art has entangled many promising businesses and ventures in litigation and expensive patent infringement lawsuits. If found to be infringing, you may be forced to pay heavy damages, and legal fees and be required to cease or forfeit activity deemed to be infringing. Furthermore, in some cases, the importation of infringing goods is a federal crime. A simple due diligence study can guide your business around such potential catastrophes or can put you on alert for possible future legal battles.
Responses to Patent Office Rejections
Joshua Kaplan, Esq., is a Patent Attorney who will work with the Patent Office on behalf of an inventor to obtain a the broadest available patent rights. At the same time, Joshua Kaplan, and the entire Kaplan Law Practice, will try to minimize prosecution costs by being prompt and efficient, and by exercising sensible strategy to achieve desired results.
Legally Protecting And Enforcing A Patent
For inventors and businesses seeking to safeguard their intellectual property, securing a patent is a vital step. A patent grants the right to exclude others from making, using, or selling an invention, offering a unique advantage in the competitive marketplace. However, obtaining a patent is only the first step in this process. Protecting and enforcing it effectively involves a strategic approach that includes thorough legal measures and proactive monitoring to prevent unauthorized use. Whether it’s addressing potential infringement or understanding how to enforce patent rights, legal guidance is crucial in these matters. A comprehensive plan not only helps secure the patent but also maintains its value over time, ultimately serving the creator’s long-term interests. For those encroaching upon this landscape, the support of a patents lawyer can make a significant difference.
Applying For A Patent And Protecting Intellectual Property
The initial application process for a patent is a critical phase that demands attention to detail. It involves preparing a comprehensive application that accurately describes the invention and demonstrates its uniqueness. This documentation is essential because the quality of the application directly influences the scope of protection granted. Properly defining the invention’s elements and potential applications is key to ensuring that the patent offers robust protection against possible infringement.
Once the patent is granted, our patent registration lawyer can help with the real work of protection. Regular monitoring of the marketplace is necessary to detect any unauthorized use of the patented technology. This vigilance is essential, as infringement can sometimes be subtle, involving modifications to the patented process or design. Addressing these situations promptly helps in maintaining the exclusivity of the invention, thereby maximizing its commercial potential.
Dealing With Patent Infringement
Despite all precautions, the possibility of patent infringement remains. When unauthorized use is detected, taking swift legal action is critical. Patent enforcement typically begins with sending a cease-and-desist letter to the infringing party, which our intellectual property lawyer can assist with by outlining the patent rights and requesting the cessation of the unauthorized activity. This initial step often resolves many issues without proceeding to litigation.
However, if the infringement persists, more formal legal actions, such as filing a lawsuit, may be necessary. The goal is to seek remedies that may include financial compensation for damages, an injunction to stop the infringing activity, or both. Legal support in these cases is crucial to ensure the patent holder’s rights are fully enforced, and the patent’s value is upheld. Working closely with a patents lawyer throughout this process is essential for navigating the legal complexities involved.
Long-Term Protection Strategies
Protecting a patent is an ongoing effort that extends beyond initial enforcement actions. Regularly reviewing the market for potential new infringements and staying updated on technological developments are integral to maintaining a patent’s relevance and strength. Additionally, periodic reassessment of the patent portfolio helps in identifying opportunities for licensing or expanding the scope of protection. This proactive approach not only fortifies the patent holder’s position but also maximizes the financial returns on their intellectual property investments.
Securing Your Invention With Legal Support
It is crucial to ensure long-term success of any invention by taking the right steps to protect and enforce a patent. A patent attorney shares that, as patents provide exclusive rights, the value of this intellectual property must be actively protected against infringement. At each stage of this process, from the initial patent application to enforcement actions, legal guidance plays a pivotal role. Working closely with a patents lawyer offers a strategic advantage, helping to address potential challenges effectively. If you’re looking to protect your innovations and secure your competitive edge, our team is here to assist with our down to earth services. Our approachable and professional lawyers at Kaplan Law Practice, LLC, can provide the support you need to safeguard your intellectual property rights.