Charges and fee schedule

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General overview - patent filing in the United States involves (AI Generated):

1. Invention Disclosure: Document Intellectual Property and its details in writing. Specifying features including functionality, state of art, and potential benefits. Maintaining confidences, identifying statutory bars and/or disclosure dates.
2. Patent Search: Conduct prior art search to examine novelty. Searching existing patents, published patent applications, and other relevant prior art.
3. Prepare and File a Patent Application: Written description detailing invention, claims defining the scope of protection, drawings (if necessary), and other required forms. File with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). In some instances a copyright registration or trademark can enhance the protections afforded. 
4. Patent Examination: The USPTO examines application to determine if it meets the legal requirements for patentability. This examination involves a review of prior art, an evaluation of the claims, and correspondence with the patent examiner.
5. Office Actions and Response: If the patent examiner identifies issues or rejections in the application, an office action is issued. Applicant has the opportunity to respond by addressing examiner's concerns, amending claims, or providing additional arguments or evidence.
6. Patent Prosecution: The process of back-and-forth communication between applicant and the patent examiner is patent prosecution. It may involve multiple rounds of office actions and responses until bases for refusal and objection are fully addressed, leading to allowance or rejection of the application.
7. Patent Grant or Appeal: If the patent examiner is satisfied with the application, the USPTO issues a Notice of Allowance. At this stage, Applicant may pay the required fees and complete any formalities. Once granted, the invention is protected by a patent. If the application is rejected and Applicant believes it is unjust, an appeal can be filed with the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) or pursue other legal options.

It is important to note that the patent process can be complex and time-consuming, often requiring legal expertise. Consulting a patent attorney or agent is advisable to navigate the process effectively and maximize your chances of obtaining a granted patent. We conduct in-person meetings in Wilmington but communicate with the USPTO, national and international clients on-line.