Skip to Main Content

Patent Lawyers

The Job

Individuals, groups, or businesses often seek patents for their inventions as a way to protect against others from profiting or misusing their original idea. Patent lawyers are attorneys that specialize in patent law, which is one branch of intellectual property law. They help clients navigate through the process of obtaining a patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). There are three different types of patents awarded in the United States depending on the subject matter. A utility patent, the most common, is issued to protect a process or function of an invention. Design patents protect the ornamental or decorative aspect of an object. Plant patents are issued for a newly invented or discovered asexually reproduced plant.

During the initial stage of the patent process, lawyers meet with the client to familiarize themselves with the invention. Clients describe the nature of the invention, its purpose, and how it differs from others that may already be on the market. The patent lawyer will then evaluate the technical aspect of the invention and advise the client as whether or not it is worthy of a patent. Research is often done to find similar inventions and compare technical or functional differences. A patent lawyer working on presenting a type of crayon lipstick, for example, would research all patents or patents pending for similar cosmetics, or those presented in a comparable container.

The next step in the patent process is a formal application. The lawyer drafts a detailed description of the invention, in this case the crayon lipstick. It's the lawyer's job to define what the product is and how it works. He or she may include drawings of the lipstick's holder, which show the mechanics and composition of the case, as well as composition of the actual lip color. He or she will also attach a set of claims that will define the scope of the client's rights as a patent holder. Will the patent prevent other cosmetic companies from using a holder with a similar design? Is the texture or hues of the crayon lipstick covered within the patent's boundaries?

The patent lawyer sends the completed application, additional documents, and applicable fees to the USPTO. Once received, the case is assigned to an examiner. The patent lawyer will often maintain correspondence with the examiner, provide additional information or technical drawings, or make amendments as needed to the original application. The patent lawyer will receive notification on whether or not the patent is granted. If rejected, the lawyer may file for an appeal. Once approved, a patent prevents the item or invention from being copied or sold by those other than the patent holder for a period of 20 years.

Patent lawyers may also help their clients file for patents in other countries, in case the invention is to be marketed internationally. They may also represent the client if there is evidence that the patent has been infringed.