Charges and fee schedule

Fixed Schedule

Client Collaboration

Client Collaboration

Clients know action taken before authorizing and instructing patent filing and related work from agents and vendors.  

Client Collaboration

Client Collaboration

Client Collaboration

Client best determines patent filing strategy when making informed decisions.   

Patent Matters

Client Collaboration

Patent Matters

 For informed decisions on patent filing, searching, clearance, defending and enforcing. 

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US patent filings

U.S. Agent for National and International communications

U.S. Agent for National and International communications

U.S. Agent for National and International communications

U.S. National Phase filings, Assignments, PCT.  

USPTO National Phase info

Utility

U.S. Agent for National and International communications

U.S. Agent for National and International communications

Patent protection based on how it works.

USPTO Utility info

Design

Provisional

Provisional

Patent protection based on ornamental invention, looks on paper.

USPTO Design info

Provisional

Provisional

Provisional

Pendency lasts 12 months from date of provisional patent filing (not for Designs). 

USPTO Provisional info

File Patent Application

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CONTACT us

Patent process

U.S. services, directed before the USPTO and with Foreign Counsel for non-US filing support

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. 

USPTO Patent process overview

Patent RECORDATION

Patents may not be recorded with CBP for border enforcement protection. Patent owners, however, may be entitled to exclusion of infringing imports into United States under Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 

Visit About Section 337
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The DeFrancesco Law Firm PLLC, DeFrancescoLaw, CAROLINA CLOSERS. All rights reserved. 

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