If you are in the process of launching a start up and you have a new idea to introduce into the market, you are obviously going to be very interested in protecting that idea. Thankfully, filing a patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) can provide the legal protection you seek. That said, the process of filing a patent may be something you are not familiar with. This is where a patent lawyer can come in quite handy. Here are three reasons why you may want to hire a patent lawyer to help protect your new business.
It Can Be Less Expensive Than You Think
A leading reason why some business owners choose to try and file the paperwork for their patents themselves is because hiring an attorney obviously comes with additional costs and if you are a start up, every single dollar is precious. That said, patent lawyers are adept at dealing with new business owners and understanding that you may be strapped for cash. Many are often willing to work with you on a budget. If you limit the application process to just your most critical ideas, you can potentially limit the amount of time the lawyer spends on the application, saving you money in the process.
Stop Yourself From Revealing Too Much Information
Patent lawyers excel at helping people decide the precise amount of information about the new invention that needs to go into the patent. A common problem some business owners make when applying for their first patent is being too detailed in their descriptions. You could actually put yourself at a disadvantage by giving away too much info, some of which may be related to other inventions your company is working on and not focused on the main invention for the patent. An attorney can help you streamline this process and protect key data about your inventions and your company.
Help Point Out Key Differences from the Competition
In order to get a patent, you must show how your idea works but you also must show that it is new. This means you will often have to demonstrate how it is different in some key way from other inventions already on the market. If the language you use makes your invention sound too similar to something already on the market, the patent application will likely get declined. A patent lawyer can help you review records, some of which may be over your head and help identify what makes your product or idea different from the competition.
If you are thinking of taking an idea and turning it into a business, it makes sense to protect your invention with a patent. While a patent application can be filed without the help of an attorney, having a patent lawyer on your side can make a big difference. Patent lawyers can help you set your idea apart from others already on the market, prevent you from disclosing too much information to the competition and may actually be more affordable than you might think. Contact a local patent lawyer, like Kaufhold & Dix Patent Law, for more information.
Share18 November 2015
Although I am far from perfect, I have focused on abiding by the local laws for the vast majority of my life. Unfortunately, about five years ago, I realized that I was being accused of a crime that I didn't commit. I thought about letting the trial run its course, but then I realized that fighting would be important to ensure my future. I teamed up with a great lawyer, and things became much easier overnight. My legal counsel told me what to do and what to avoid, and he was able to prove the facts in a court of law. This blog is all about choosing to fight charges.