Invention Protection Associates - We Protect So You Can Profit

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Patents

What is a patent?
By federal law, a patent provides to its owner exclusive legal rights to make, use and sell an invention. Essentially, the patent
owner has a legalized monopoly over the patented invention for a multi-year term. As a patent owner, you may:

sue others that make, use or sell your invention without your permission;
license your invention to an established company in exchange for royalties; or
sell your patent to someone else

In fact, obtaining a patent can be even more important than trying to sell an invention. Many inventors avoid spending the
time and money necessary to get their inventions to the market by simply getting their inventions patented and then allowing
deeper pocketed companies to come pursue them.

UTILITY PATENT - A utility patent may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers any new and useful machine,
process, article of manufacture or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof. As examples, a utility
patent may be issued for a fishing lure, an exercise machine, a method for distributing digital music files, a cleaning solution,
etc. The utility patent lasts 20 years from the date that the patent application was filed.

CLICK HERE for an example of a utility patent obtained by IPA

Utility Patent Application - Preparation & Filing Cost
We prepare a non-provisional utility patent application (with professional drawings) and file it with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office:
- Attorney preparation cost widely varies with complexity of the invention, but we'll provide a ceiling quote before work;
- Plus a U.S. government filing fee ($105 or $435)

DESIGN PATENT - A design patent may be granted to anyone who invents a new and ornamental design for an
article of manufacture. As examples, a design patent may be issued for a unique surface pattern on a scarf, the shape of a
wedding ring band, etc. The design patent protects the appearance of an invention, rather than its function. The design
patent lasts 14 years from date the patent is granted.

CLICK HERE for an example of a design patent obtained by IPA

Design Patent Application - Preparation & Filing Cost
We prepare a non-provisional design patent application (with professional drawings) and file it with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office:
- Attorney preparation cost of not more than $1,300;
- Plus a U.S. government filing fee ($220)

NOTE: No attorney-client relationship is formed by the presentation or viewing of this web site. This web site provides information for educational purposes only
and not for legal advice. This web site is not to be relied upon in lieu of consulting legal counsel. You should consult with an attorney, as proper legal advice is
dependent upon particular needs and circumstances. Also, this web site may contain factual inaccuracies, from time to time, as laws affecting information
published on this web site are subject to change.