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- Q: What should I do initially to protect my invention?
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A: Prepare in writing a disclosure of your invention. The writing does not have to be elaborate and can be merely handwritten and may include a drawing or sketch. Sign your disclosure as inventor in the presence of a Notary and have a friend or two witness and date the disclosure. This certifies dates of invention. Then, call us and set up an initial free consultation. We will also witness and date your disclosure so that you have proof that your invention was disclosed to us in confidence as your attorney. This witnessing will also add extra credibility to the invention dates. You will retain the original disclosure document in your possession in case it is ever needed to prove first dates of invention.
- Q: What type of patent protection is available?
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A: Two types of patents are available, a utility patent an d a design patent. A utility patent protects a method or article of manufacture, compositions of matter and methods of doing business (including software and Internet patents). A design patent protects the outward ornamental appearance of an article. While design patents are less expensive to prepare and can be effective in some situations, they are of limited protection since they do not protect the concept or utilitarian function of the invention.
- Q: How much does a preliminary patent novelty search cost?
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A: A preliminary patent novelty search costs $600.00 for non-complex mechanical inventions. Copies of the pertinent search patent references will be sent to you within two to three weeks, maximum, together with our legal evaluation as to whether or not you can obtain meaningful patent protection.
- Q: How much does a utility patent application cost?
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A: Including attorney fees, Patent Office application fees and formal drawings, your application will cost between $3,500.00 and $6,000.00 for a non-complex mechanical application. Complex patent applications, such as medical, complex mechanical, business method, software or electronic patent applications will cost considerably more, $8,000.00 to $12,000.00, or greater, depending upon complexity. Additional fees will be incurred during prosecution of your application before the Patent Office. As you can see, patents are expensive. Nevertheless, our fees will be found to be in the range of reasonable to inexpensive.
- Q: How long will it take to have my patent application prepared?
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Q: Assuming the preliminary patent novelty search results are encouraging, how long will it take Carothers and Carothers to prepare a patent application for my review and filing?
A: For most patent applications of normal complexity, we can usually have your patent application ready for your review and filing within three weeks of your initial instructions to prepare the application.
- Q: What is a trademark?
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A: A trademark is a word, name, symbol, number, color or device used to identify ones products or goods and to distinguish them from others. A service mark is also generally classified as a trademark and is a word, name, symbol, number, color or device used to identify ones services which are offered to distinguish them from others. Federal trademark applications on the Principal Register may be filed based on actual use or on intent to use.
- Q: How much does a trademark application cost to prepare and file?
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A: Normally, $600.00 for attorney's fees and a filing fee of $375.00 per class of goods or services being filed for.
- Q: What is a copyright?
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A: A copyright may be registered with the Library of Congress and protects the "expression" of a literary or artistic work. A copyright does not protect the concept expressed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
and Map
445 Fort Pitt Boulevard • Fort Pitt Commons - Ste. 200
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
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