Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Patents in Oklahoma City are governed by the United States Patents and Trademark Office (USPTO). A patent gives the patent owner the exclusive right to exclude others from making, using, selling, offering for sale, or importing into the United States the subject matter that is within the scope of the patent. This includes new inventions, designs, and certain types of plants. Patents can be complex and it's important to have a good understanding of the law and procedures involved in obtaining and maintaining a patent.
There are several reasons why you may need a patent lawyer. The process of obtaining a patent is complex and involves technical descriptions of the invention, claim drafting, and legal arguments. A patent lawyer can help in drafting and prosecuting a patent application to protect your invention effectively. If someone infringes on your patent, you will need a lawyer to enforce your rights. Additionally, if you are accused of infringing someone else’s patent, a patent lawyer can help defend you.
While patent law is a federal law and applies uniformly across all states, there can be differences in how local courts interpret and apply these laws. Oklahoma, in the Tenth Circuit, tends towards conservative interpretations of the patent laws. The state laws can also impact aspects related to patent enforcement, such as contracts, litigation procedures, and trade secrets.
Patent infringement occurs when someone makes, uses, sells, offers to sell, or imports into the U.S. a patented invention without the permission of the patent holder.
You cannot patent an idea alone. To be eligible for a patent, the invention must be fully developed and you must be able to describe it in such detail that someone else could replicate it.
The cost of getting a patent can vary widely depending on the complexity of the invention and legal fees. You can expect to spend several thousand dollars at a minimum.
The duration of a patent depends on the type. A utility patent lasts for 20 years, a design patent lasts for 15 years, and a plant patent lasts for 20 years. In each case, the life of the patent begins on the grant date.
Generally, a patent cannot be renewed. Once the patent term ends, the invention enters the public domain. However, in some cases, related patents can be secured to effectively extend the protection period.
You can find useful resources on the USPTO website, which offers information about applying for patents, hiring a patent attorney, and more. Other useful resources include the Oklahoma Bar Association, the Oklahoma Inventor's Congress, and Oklahoma Patent Law Association.
If you need legal assistance with a patent matter, it is recommended to consult with a patent lawyer. They can help you understand the requirements, guide you through the patent application process, and provide representation in any disputes or litigation. You can find a qualified patent lawyer through the Oklahoma Bar Association’s lawyer referral service.
