What is a patent

Bergen County, NJ Patent Attorney  

Guiding NJ clients through obtaining patents

If you have an idea for an invention that is unique, new, useful, and not obvious, you need to protect yourself. One of the ways in which you can protect your idea is through obtaining a patent. The Law Offices of Richard E. Novak, LLC in Englewood, NJ work with clients to apply the United States patent laws in order to optimize the value of the invention and improving their quality of life. Our firm utilizes extensive experience and knowledge of U.S. patent law coupled with the information clients provide to create a comprehensive strategy focused on the needs of the client. If you need assistance in obtaining a patent, contact The Law Offices of Richard E. Novak, LLC for a consultation.

What is a patent?

Simply put, a patent is a contract between you, the inventor, and the government that grants property rights for a period of 20 years from the filing date of the patent application. This term of 20 years can be adjusted. It protects your idea from others who would like to exploit your idea for their benefit for a fixed period of time in exchange for a detailed disclosure of the invention which enriches the public knowledge and benefiting the public. Within the time period of protection, no one may make, use, offer for sale, or sell this invention without permission.

Three types of patents

There are 3 types of patents currently in the United States. This may be different in other countries but here in the United States, the three patents are as such:

  • Utility patents protect the usefulness of an invention, product, process or method.
  • Design patents protect the decorative feature or aesthetic value.
  • Plant patents protect a plant that is asexually produced and considered newly discovered.

Patents are territorial

Patents obtained in the United States are only applicable to the United States. Even though you may believe that you only need the protection of a U.S. patent, this is not always the case. The world continues to get smaller through global sharing. With the rise in intellectual property espionage, your invention could easy fall into the hands of someone who doesn’t abide by U.S. law. The World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, patents will be recognized in countries that participate in the World Trade Organization. It is always in your best interests to consider obtaining patents in other countries as well.

Contact an effective patent attorney in New Jersey

The Law Offices of Richard E. Novak, LLC has over 25 years of experience assisting clients through all IP matter. If you are in need of protecting your invention through a patent, contact our firm. A patent could be critical to your success. With the support of U.S. law, you can protect your idea and even profit from it through licensing and other profitable methods. If you need quality legal support from an experienced intellectual property attorney, contact The Law Offices of Robert E. Novak, LLC for an initial consultation. Our firm is ready to assess your situation and guide you through your legal options so you can make an educated decision on your future.