“When patents are granted, it creates opportunities for a few to profit in service of many. When patents expire, it creates opportunities for many to each profit in service of a few.” Hendrith Vanlon Smith Jr.
The USPTO has patent information tools to estimate how long an application process may take. (An initial review may be received within 20 months from patent filing.)
Prior to filing a Patent, it is essential to confirm ownership, inventorship and patentability of an invention. We assist with patent information services: prior art patent search, clearance opinions, ownership disputes, patent filing, and assignments.
"Maintenance fees are required to keep in force all utility and reissue utility patents based on applications filed on or after December 12, 1980. Maintenance fees are not required for a design or plant patent, or for statutory invention registrations." Visit USPTO Maintain Your Patent for more information.