What You Need to Know About Utility Patents

Before filing for your utility patent in San Diego, there are some basic things you need know about U.S. patent law.

First of all, your non-provisional utility patent application must meet several specifications such as:

  • The application must be submitted in English, or accompanied by an accurate English translation;
  • All papers which are to become permanent records of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) must be typewritten, or produced by a mechanical printer; and
  • The text must be in permanent black ink or its equivalent, on a single side of paper, and on same-sized white paper without holes.

There are also specifications regarding the paper size in the application, and the specified margins.

To minimize the amount of potential errors you can make on your utility patent application, it is wise to seek the assistance of a San Diego patent law attorney who is familiar with the USPTO’s requirements and who can write a strong utility patent application on your behalf. A strong and error-free utility patent application can save you time and money as well as improve your chances of acquiring the patent.

What information should I include in my utility patent application?

Your non-provisional utility patent application must include the following elements:

  • Utility Patent Application Transmittal Form of Transmittal Letter;
  • Fee Transmittal Form and application fees;
  • Application data sheet;
  • Specification (with at least one claim);
  • Drawings (when necessary); and
  • Executed oath or declaration.

These elements of the application should be arranged in the order shown above. 

What else do I need to know about U.S. patent law?

A utility patent gives you the sole property rights to make, use, or sell an invention. This is meant to prevent anyone else from infringing on the rights to your property. If your rights are infringed upon, then you will have the option of stopping the infringement in a U.S. court of law. Your San Diego patent attorney can also help you seek damages for any infringement that has occurred.

A utility patent will generally last up to 20 years. During that time you can take the steps to protect your intellectual property.

Obtaining and Protecting Your Utility Patent

Obtaining your patent is a complicated process, and is best handled by an expert in the field. If you plan to file for a utility patent in San Diego, then you should get the help of a San Diego patent law attorney. An attorney will guide you through the necessary steps of the application process.

Your San Diego patent law attorney will tell you what you need to know about U.S. patent law. If and when you need to protect against infringement upon your intellectual property, a patent attorney can represent you in the proper court of law.

Contacting a Patent Law Attorney

The California patent attorneys at the ADLI Law Group P.C. can handle all aspects of your patent, trademark, and copyright needs. Our firm specializes in acquiring and litigating technology patents including nuclear energy, optics, computer hardware and software, electronics, and many other fields. Our patent attorneys hold degrees in physics, electrical engineering, computer engineering, and several other technology fields.

We serve clients across San Diego and the U.S., as well as internationally in countries such as China, Taiwan and Japan. Contact us today for experienced help with securing the patent rights to your invention – (213) 290-4933.