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Your current state is Virginia
I'm interested in using information from a patent issued in 2022 to develop a new product. The patent is still active, and I understand someone holds the rights to it. I am unsure how to effectively contact the patent holder, and I need guidance on the legal process for licensing or using the... View More
answered on Oct 30, 2025
Patent applications contain different types of information. Some of this information is in the public domain, while some information may be owned by other entities. Only part of the information pertains directly to the invention itself.
One thing that you can not do is to make or use an... View More
I'm seeking advice on selecting a patent attorney in Texas for my invention, which is a combination of a method and a product. My concern is regarding the initial consultations; why might a lawyer refuse to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to establish trust, especially considering that... View More
answered on Oct 29, 2025
It's smart to require a signed NDA virtually any time you discuss your invention with someone, but not with your lawyer. Your communications with the lawyer are already fully protected by the attorney-client privilege (ACP). Someday, you may have to litigate your patent, and creating a... View More
In 2015, I invented a technology and began patent procedures, which are still pending. I also published multiple articles in 2016 and 2017. Recently, I found out that a company in California lodged patents in 2022 and 2023 on this invention, which closely replicates my work. I have had no... View More
answered on Oct 28, 2025
Your potential next steps include challenging the patent, negotiating a license or assignment with the company, or developing improvements to your invention to file a separate patent on.
Challenging the patent will involve either filing an opposition or initiating litigation.... View More
I am a high school student who recently won a national competition for developing a biomedical device related to Parkinson's. My device is unique because it is fully external, unlike devices such as Neuralink, which are implants. I developed the code and process entirely on my own. We have... View More
answered on Oct 16, 2025
Congrats!
Apologies for the cliché, but it’s important: no attorney–client relationship is established by this answer. Please treat it as general information, not tailored legal advice.
There are two main issues here—(1) patenting your device and (2) raising funds legally to... View More
I am a high school student who recently won a national competition for developing a biomedical device related to Parkinson's. My device is unique because it is fully external, unlike devices such as Neuralink, which are implants. I developed the code and process entirely on my own. We have... View More
answered on Oct 16, 2025
Congratulations on winning the national competition.
You are not going to like my answer.
Many countries in the world demand absolute novelty for ideas that are submitted in patent applications. So if your submissions to the national competition are not under a non-disclosure... View More
I am interested in understanding the general life of a patent. How is the life of a patent determined, and what factors influence its expiration, such as maintenance fees, renewals, or industry-specific considerations? Additionally, what implications does patent expiration have for businesses or... View More
answered on Sep 30, 2025
Thank you for the question,
Utility patents:
Term is 20 years from the earliest effective filing date, typically the filing date of the non-provisional application
Requires payment of maintenance fees at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years after grant
Failure to pay maintenance... View More
I'm currently in the concept stage of developing a new device that aims to promote hair regrowth. There are no similar products or patents that I'm aware of, and I'm planning to move forward with the patent application around September 2025. What documents will I need to prepare for... View More
answered on Sep 1, 2025
A hair regrowth device is a great idea with market potential. The good news is you don’t need to build a prototype to file a patent application. What matters is providing a detailed description of your invention so that someone skilled in the field can make and use it without excessive... View More
Can I buy a firearm accessory that is a Chinese knockoff, different from the original patented product, and laser engrave my company logo or a police department logo on it, then resell it to certain clients? I'm not removing the original manufacturer's information, and I don't plan... View More
answered on Aug 28, 2025
That is a great question, and the short answer is yes, you could be exposed to a patent infringement claim. Patent infringement is determined by whether the product you are selling infringes on an existing, issued patent. It does not take into account whether the product is a knockoff sourced from... View More
I am seeking to file a patent for an invention through an attorney. Can you provide an industry average cost for filing a patent, including a breakdown of USPTO fees and the timeline for the filing process?
answered on Aug 11, 2025
Your state does not matter, as patent applications are prosecuted before the USPTO, which is a federal agency. However, the nature of your invention can matter significantly, so you will need to contact a qualified patent attorney directly, and provide them with a brief overview of your invention,... View More
I have a patent for capillary electrolysis in an alkaline solution, and I believe someone is using my patented idea without permission. What steps should I take to address potential infringement and protect my intellectual property rights?
answered on Aug 11, 2025
The first step is to contact a qualified patent attorney, who can do an infringement analysis. It is important to carefully compare the claims of your patent to the product/method that you think is copying your idea in order to assess whether there is indeed infringement of your patent, as opposed... View More
I invented a new style of cigarette lighter and signed an 18-page distribution agreement with a company in Los Angeles to sell my invention. I also registered a provisional patent in Australia when I first invented the idea. Recently, I discovered that the company stole my invention. I have tried... View More
answered on Aug 4, 2025
It is necessary to look at all the facts. As a generality, "registering" a patent in Australia provides no protection in the United States. Before a next step can be planned, it is likely that the 18-page agreement must be reviewed to see what obligations they have to you and what... View More
I have an idea for a product that involves universities in all states. I haven't approached any institutions yet and want to ensure that my idea remains confidential. I need an NDA and advice on protecting my idea, including potential patenting or trademarking in the future. What type of... View More
answered on Jul 17, 2025
A patent attorney is the most suitable professional for your idea.
If your idea is for a product that may be particularly useful for universities, then it might be patentable. However, if your idea is about how to run universities more effectively, it may be considered "abstract"... View More
I have an idea for a product that involves universities in all states. I haven't approached any institutions yet and want to ensure that my idea remains confidential. I need an NDA and advice on protecting my idea, including potential patenting or trademarking in the future. What type of... View More
answered on Jul 17, 2025
You should consult with a patent attorney. A patent attorney will also advise you on trademarks.
When selecting a patent attorney, make sure to select one that works in that subject matter specialty Namely, if your invention is in chemistry, consult with a patent lawyer that specializes... View More
I have three patents in the USA and 15 years of design experience in the mining machine industry. I contributed to the new innovative design called Auto Bit Changer for my company, Epiroc. Considering my achievements, am I eligible for self-sponsorship under the EB-1A category?
answered on Jul 16, 2025
You appear to be a strong candidate for EB-1A self-sponsorship. Your achievements likely meet several USCIS criteria, including original contributions of major significance and a critical role in your company. If you can document industry recognition and continued work in your field, you may... View More
I am part of an AI tech startup registered in India. We are currently in the prototype stage and want to register a patent for our technology in the US. We do not have any existing patents in India or elsewhere, and we are unsure about any challenges we might face in the US patent process. How can... View More
answered on Jul 14, 2025
To obtain a patent in the US, here is the process for someone in India.
(1) Find a patent attorney in India. To find such a lawyer, you may contact a lawyer that you already know who will be able to provide you a reference.
(2) The patent attorney in India should determine if your... View More
I'm planning to start dropshipping a product, but I've discovered that another brand has already patented the entire product under US-12053030-B2. We are still in the planning stage and have not started selling. I am not aware of any licensing agreements available, and as a small startup,... View More
answered on Jul 7, 2025
That is an excellent and timely question. It is much better to address this now during the planning stage than later, after significant investments have been made.
The first question you should be asking is whether your product actually infringes on the patent. While the specification and... View More
If a defendant in a patent infringement case cannot afford a lawyer and represents themselves, is there any risk of jail time due to being unable to secure legal representation?
answered on Jul 30, 2025
No, patent infringement is a civil matter and thus being found "liable" does not result in potential jail for the guilty party. It results in money damages and likely an order to stop or refrain from doing something. Unless you do something extraordinary against the court's orders... View More
I'm looking to register a patent for my wind turbine invention in the United States. I'm unfamiliar with the patent filing process and types of patents available. Could you guide me on the general steps involved? Additionally, I'm interested in knowing if hiring a patent attorney... View More
answered on Jun 30, 2025
You can do prior art searches on your own to get a feeling if there are already patents, most likely, covering your idea.
Before you spend money in getting a patent you should have a solid understanding of the criteria and chances of success.
Having a number of consultations with a... View More
I'm looking to register a patent for my wind turbine invention in the United States. I'm unfamiliar with the patent filing process and types of patents available. Could you guide me on the general steps involved? Additionally, I'm interested in knowing if hiring a patent attorney... View More
answered on Jun 30, 2025
For an electromechanical invention like a wind turbine, detailed drawings or detailed photographs of a prototype are very important for preparing the patent application. Generally, you would provide your drawings and notes to a patent agent or patent attorney ("practitioner"), who would... View More
I'm looking to register a patent for my wind turbine invention in the United States. I'm unfamiliar with the patent filing process and types of patents available. Could you guide me on the general steps involved? Additionally, I'm interested in knowing if hiring a patent attorney... View More
answered on Jun 30, 2025
Mr. Harrison has given an excellent response. I strongly recommend moving forward by hiring an experienced practitioner to draft your patent application. Drafting claims requires specialized expertise, as mistakes can be fatal. Take the time to interview multiple practitioners to find the right fit... View More
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