For years, California has acted as one of the world’s largest areas of entertainment and innovation. With this honor, however, comes the need to protect a company or individual’s intellectual property. Home to tech companies like Blizzard Entertainment and the cutting-edge research that happens on the campus of the University of California, Irvine, the need for intellectual property protection is at an all-time high, and an Irvine patent lawyer can help.

California has a long history as a hub for creativity and ingenuity. When new technologies or other inventions are created, they deserve to be protected from the predatory behaviors of those looking to infringe on that work. At The Myers Law Group, we have over 90 years of combined experience when it comes to helping individuals establish and enforce their patents. We understand how competitive the Irvine area can be and are here to help.

Every year, across the United States, hundreds of thousands of patents are applied for. When you invent something, be that a software algorithm, a unique product aesthetic, or a medical device, establishing a legal patent can protect you from other parties profiting off, stealing, and using your idea. When you have a legal patent in place, you can take necessary legal action against any party who infringes on your rights under that patent.

In the United States, there are three main forms of patents that you can secure with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). These patents include the following:

• Design patents: These kinds of patents are used to protect the appearance of an invention. They are typically filed to create a new ornamental design or appearance for a manufactured item. The most important parts of a design patent application are the illustrations of the design and the item itself. The key to seeking a successful design patent is the detail of the illustration included in the application.
• Plant patents. This kind of patent covers any new form of plant life. You can file for this patent if you invent, discover, or reproduce through asexual means a new kind of plant. Securing this patent can be difficult, but it can ensure that no one else can profit from your scientific discovery without your express permission.
• Utility patents. When you file for a utility patent, you can seek protection for the invention of a new machine, process, item of manufacture, or a new composition of matter. You can also protect any improvements made to these items. This patent protects the function of the invention and is often sought with a design patent.

All of these patents will last for a set amount of time. When that time runs out, the protection and rights that have been provided by the patent will no longer exist. Depending on the kind of patent you establish, this time frame can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years.

When you work with Irvine Patent Lawyer at The Myers Law Group, we can help you determine which kind of patent, or combination of patents, should be secured to afford you the ultimate amount of protection.

Patents can be expensive, which is why it is important to work with an attorney from the beginning who can do everything in their power to ensure you register for the appropriate patent in the correct way and save as much money as possible.

In 2019 alone, over 50,000 patents were registered in California. We are here to help you be a part of that number. Allow us to review your situation, explain all of your options regarding patents and the patentability of your inventions, draft the application for your patent, and help you enforce your rights in an infringement case.

If you have been wrongly accused of infringing on a patent, our Irvine Patent Lawyer can defend you.

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Patent Lawyer in Irvine?

A: It can be difficult to offer an exact number as to how much it might cost to hire a patent lawyer in Irvine. This is due to the fact that every attorney structures their fees differently based on a number of variables that can be involved in your case. These variables include the duration and complexity of your case and the lawyer’s experience.

Q: What Inventions Cannot Be Patented?

A: According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, there are several inventions that cannot be legally patented, including abstract ideas or suggestions, laws of nature, and any physical phenomena. For a patent to be valid, it must be for an invention or idea that can be used and has a clear description, and it must not be something that has already been invented.

Q: How Can I File a Patent in Irvine?

A: To legally file for a patent in Irvine, you must first determine the kind of patent you are applying for and ensure that your creation or invention qualifies for a patent and hasn’t already been created. You will also need to conduct a patent search to make sure your idea does not infringe on any other existing patent, gather the necessary documentation, and file your application.

Q: What Kind of Documentation Do I Need for a Patent Application in California?

A: In California, there are several items of documentation you need to include in your patent application for the patent to be valid. This documentation includes a written description of the invention, detailed drawings of the invention, and solid patent claims in light of any patent search that has been conducted.

At The Myers Law Group, we are committed to ensuring your inventions are protected against those who would wish to profit from your hard work. Each situation regarding patents is different, and we are here to serve you in whatever way you may need. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation regarding your Irvine invention and how we might be of service.