Patent law services for Los Angeles inventors
Exactly what you might need from me depends on your goals and on where you are in the patent-protection process. Here are the specific services I offer:Quick other points to know about patents
Types of Patents
Most inventions are may be protected by way of a utility patent or design patent. Utility patents protect the functional aspects or features of a product or service. Is the product easier, faster, lighter or stronger? Design patents protect the ornamental features of the product. Design patents do not provide protection for functional features. What aesthetic features of the product are unique? As you might suspect, design patents share a cross over with copyrights. As a Los Angeles Patent Attorney, I am here to assist you in parsing the nuances between the various forms of intellectual property law and choosing the most appropriate route for your circumstance.Patent Process
The patent process begins with a patent search. The patent search is an optional step, but often is critical. It is used to determine the likelihood of whether the United States Patent and Trademark Office would grant you a patent on your idea. The patent application is prepared based on the invention disclosure received during the initial consultation. Inventors review and provide feedback on the written description of the invention and the associated drawings which are prepared by me. Upon approval, the patent application describing your invention is submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The formal requirements of the patent application are reviewed by the Patent Office. After about nine months (for design patent applications) to 3 years (for utility patent applications), the Patent Office will render an official stance as to patentability. If successful, the application will mature into a patent. Maintenance fees are due at regular intervals for utility patents. During this multi-year process, as your patent attorney, I am here to assist you and to provide guidance as you develop the market for your product and/or seek licensees.Work with one of the best and best-reviewed patent attorneys near LA
You can contact me, James Yang, to schedule an appointment in which we discuss the patentability of your idea, develop a cost-efficient plan of action to protect your idea, and implement the plan based on your particular circumstances. You can reach me at (949) 433-0900, at [email protected], or book a time on my calendar.The Patent Process
A patent search helps determine if your invention is unique by identifying prior patents or publications that may be similar. This step avoids wasting resources on filing for an invention that is already patented and helps assess the patentability of your idea.
The time varies depending on whether you choose the expedited or standard process. Expedited patents can take nine months to a year, while the standard process typically takes about 3.5 years if you delay costs by starting with a provisional application.
It’s ideal to apply for patent protection early, preferably when you have a working prototype or a minimal viable product. This ensures you protect your invention as you continue to refine and develop it, preventing competitors from capitalizing on your innovation.
After a patent search, if no similar inventions are found, you can proceed with filing a provisional or non-provisional application. The search helps determine if your invention is unique enough to pursue patent protection, after which you can begin product development and marketing under “patent pending” status.
After filing a non-provisional application, it typically takes around two years to receive a patent office action, which indicates whether the application is accepted or requires amendments. Expedited applications receive their first office action in about a year.
- Novelty searches take approximately 2 weeks.
- Trademark applications can be completed within a few days.
- Patent applications usually take 4 to 6 weeks.
The timeline depends on the complexity of your case, and I’ll provide an estimate upfront, keeping you informed as we move forward.