What Do Patent Attorneys Do?

The legal profession has many different areas in which an attorney may specialize and practice. One of those areas of practice is in the legal space of “intellectual property” (IP). Broadly speaking, patent attorneys can protect an inventor’s rights when it comes to ideas and materials.

An IP attorney who focuses on patents is a specialized patent attorney. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office provides a procedure to protect and maintain the legal right to an idea or invention, called a patent. With patent protection, an individual or business can prevent unauthorized use of the invention, such as using, selling, making, or even importing the patent without permission.

Often, the main role of a patent attorney involves helping individuals and businesses navigate the process of obtaining a patent for new and practical inventions. Patents can be obtained for a wide variety of inventions such as a certain kind of car, or tiny electrical parts inside the car. Patents can even be obtained for intangible inventions, including specialized business practices or coding algorithms.

The process to obtain a patent can be complex, and a patent attorney can handle the legal procedural steps from start to finish. The steps patent attorneys help with obtaining a patent include the following: 

1. Searching the patentability of the invention to determine if the invention is eligible for a patent.
2. Drafting and filing a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the office that is in charge of handling patents.
3. Responding to any official actions or requests from the USPTO.
4. Negotiating with the government agency, specifically the USPTO, to get the patent approved.
5. Providing our client advice on how to protect and enforce a patent, including filing a lawsuit if someone or a business infringes upon the inventor’s right to the patent.

While patent attorneys may specialize and have experience with helping clients obtain patents, these attorneys may also provide legal expertise on related intellectual property matters, such as trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Patent attorneys can also represent a client in a lawsuit that involves these topics.

Why Choose Clayton Trial Lawyers for Your Patent Case?

We help businesses enforce their intellectual property rights and defend them in high-stakes litigation

Clayton Trial Lawyers, LP represents businesses that have had their intellectual property misappropriated, misused, or compromised. When the situation demands, we are able to take decisive and often case-determinative measures immediately upon notice of a claim. Clayton Trial Lawyers, LP’s litigation team has defended and brought motions for temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, and orders to show cause when necessary to protect such rights. As a result of the diversity of experience in our practice, we have represented clients in trade secret matters in all industries throughout the United States.

CTL also Represents Individuals Accused of Violating Intellectual Property Rights

Clayton Trial Lawyers, LP is adequately equipped to defend those individuals wrongly accused of IP violations. Our firm is eager to help you restore your reputation by providing you with an aggressive and result-oriented defense. Our team of litigators is available around the clock to provide you with the legal advice you need and deserve during your trying times.