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Do you have an innovative idea that you think the rest of the world would benefit from? If so, you are going to want to protect your idea. Without proper protection, your idea could potentially be stolen and used by someone else. Instead of allowing another individual to create, sell and make a profit off of your invention, patent your idea.
A patent is a government-issued property right that is given to the inventor of an innovative creation. In the United States, a patent protects the patent-holders-idea, preventing others from using, making or selling the invention. In short, a patent is a type of intellectual property. The legal process securing your innovation through patent can be complicated. Given this, many people who invent a new idea face the dilemma of whether or not they should patent their idea themselves, or if they should seek the assistance of a patent attorney Massachusetts.
If you are seeking a patent, you may be wondering what route you should go to acquire it. Consider the following information when making your decision and you can make the best choice for your needs.
Different Types of Patents
The United States government issues three different types of patents:
A plant patent, which is granted to anyone who creates or discovers and reproduces a new species of plant life.- A utility plant, which can be granted to anyone who creates or discovers a new product, machine, process, article or composition of matter that is deemed useful for others to use.
- A design patent, which can be granted to any person who creates a never-before-seen-design that is intended for ornamental use.
The Process of Filing for a Massachusetts Patent
In order to acquire a patent, you must fill out an application for the respective patent you are applying for. This application must be submitted to the Patent Office and a fee must be paid. The process of filling out an application can be lengthy and quite involved. There are lots of legal terms and specific jargon that must be used in order to properly protect your intellectual property. Essentially, a patent is a contract for your invention and every word that is used in this contract will have an impact on your invention and on your legal rights of this invention. For instance, if you use words that can easily be replaced with similar words – typed can be used instead of printed, for example – another party may be able to patent an invention that is similar to yours. In order to fully protect your intellectual property, it is best to use words to describe the invention that can’t be replaced.
To Hire a Patent Lawyer in Massachusetts or Go it Alone
Since the process of filing for a patent can be confusing; there is a lot of fine print that must be considered, it is advisable to hire an attorney to help you with the process. A Massachusetts patent agent understands the legalities that are associated with the process and will be able to help you properly apply for and fully protect your invention. An attorney can help you from making mistakes on your application that can end up costing you a great deal.
Your invention is invaluable to you; don’t let it become something that someone else can quantify the value of. Take a moment to fill out the form on the right hand side of your screen to have access to our patent cheat sheet and monetization guide!
We provide patent attorney services to the following locations in Massachusetts: