Patent Lawyer

In patent law, complex and complicated legal procedures abound. Depending on the circumstance, inventors must follow many varied forms of patent law and procedures. A patent attorney can navigate these intricate procedures for inventors and their corporations. In the United States, two forms of patent representatives exist. There are patent lawyers and patent agents. In both cases, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issues lawyers and agents licenses to represent patent clients. Both parties must pass rigorous exams and be fully aware of all patent laws and procedures. This exam is known as the Patent Office Bar Exam. Patent lawyers and agents prepare, present, and maintain patents on behalf of their clients.

Although a patent agent must meet the educational standards, a patent attorney is a step above for most inventors. The main difference between a patent agent and a lawyer is the patent lawyer’s ability to practice law. A patent lawyer can advise clients on a wide range of legal issues.

Some patent law issues an attorney can advise clients on include:

Invention licensing agreements
Civil actions for infringement
Addressing other infringement suits
Appealing United States Patent and Trademark Office decisions
Future patents and new innovations on existing patents

For patent attorneys and agents alike, a reasonable amount of knowledge on the inventions they represent is required. Agents and lawyers usually display this knowledge through some form of collegiate degree in engineering, chemistry, or other industrial science. A patent lawyer familiar with an invention is thus able to prepare, present, and maintain an inventor’s patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

The need for intricate and detailed application filing at the United States Patent and Trademark Office requires the assistance of an attorney. A patent lawyer can ensure the successful approval of your patent. Patent attorneys will also aid you in successful prevention of infringement of your patent. In the event an inventor wants to license the highly liquid asset of a patent, a patent lawyer can make these arrangements.