Patent Attorney Houston

Protecting new or improved creative and intellectual ideas is as important as insuring a physical property. A patent lawyer in Houston TX can help you safeguard your invention or new design from being copied by others. Lloyd and Mousilli is a renowned patent attorney and IP law firm in Houston who can help you navigate the relatively complicated process of obtaining a patent for your intellectual property.

What is Patent Law in Houston, Texas?

Patents are a form of intellectual property used to help entrepreneurs protect their new inventions, mechanisms or business processes. Issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office federally, patent registrations forbid others from copying and profiting from your invention.

An IP lawyer can help you prepare and file your patent application. Houston TX patents attorneys specialize in four types of patents:

• Utility patents
• Design patents
• Provisional patents
• Non-provisional patents

Utility Patents

A utility patent is a grant used to protect a new or improved version of a product, machine, or process. For instance, a Texas utility patent attorney can help you protect a new car invention that uses electricity instead of gas. Utility patents can be used to protect inventions in machinery components or an improved process for manufacturing items.

Design Patents

This patent protects inventions or improvements to the design features of a product or service. For example, when a technology company invents an improved software interface for an existing digital product, a design patent helps protect this new invention.

Often, an invention is complex enough to demand numerous patents, either design or utility or both. Especially for large IP portfolios, companies big and small retain intellectual property lawyers to handle the heavy load of sophisticated IP with many moving parts.

Provisional Patent Applications

A provisional patent application is a cost-effective way to secure an early filing date for your invention with the USPTO. Unlike a full patent, it doesn't require formal claims or an exhaustive description, making it quicker and more affordable to file.

A provisional patent application establishes a priority date, giving you a year to refine your invention, assess its market potential, and decide whether to proceed with a non-provisional patent application. While it grants "patent pending" status, it's crucial to follow up with a non-provisional application within 12 months to retain the benefits of the earlier filing date.

Non-Provisional Patent Applications

A non-provisional patent application is the critical step in transitioning from a "patent pending" status to full patent registration. It is required to secure a patent after filing a provisional patent application.

A non-provisional patent application must be submitted within 12 months of the provisional application to maintain the priority date established earlier. Lloyd & Mousilli helps you navigate the processes of both provisional and non-provisional patent applications specifically for your business growth plan.

How to Apply For a Patent

Before applying for a patent, you must research existing patents for the idea, innovation, or invention you would like to protect. It's important to hire an informed lawyer that goes well above and beyond a Google patent search. L&M's great strength is in thorough patent searches, making sure your invention is not confusingly similar to those already in the vast USPTO database, and leveraging prior art (pre-existing patents) to strengthen your patent applications.

The next step is to apply for the desired patent. The applicant must provide a detailed document of the item or idea they wish to patent. In addition, one must provide drawings of tangible items they are patenting.

An oath of declaration form is required with the application file. This is the applicant’s declaration that they invented or discovered the item or idea.

During the application, the applicant is required to take an application exam. During the exam, the applicant will be interviewed about his discovery. In addition, applicants have to defend any objections to their discovery. The applicant is required to pay a patent fee after passing the exam. Once the fee is paid, a patent is successfully issued to the applicant.

Why Hire A Patent Lawyer?

Patent applications can take years to become approved. In the meantime, Houston patents lawyers can help to protect your intellectual property rights while the applied patent is pending. One way to temporarily protect your work is through a provisional patent application. This document establishes an early filing date proves that your idea or discovery is awaiting patent.

Other legal documents can help fortify your provisional patent, including:

• Non-disclosure agreements
• Non-compete agreement

A Houston patent attorney can help you draft all the necessary contract clauses. Our IP law firm employs design patent lawyers and utility patent lawyers for any of your intellectual property law needs, from simple to complex.

Patent Infringement and Prosecution

If someone is infringing on your patent rights, Lloyd & Mousilli will assist you in defending and protecting your IP, proceeding to prosecution if necessary.

Our team of experienced intellectual property attorneys can help you navigate through the complex process of patent litigation. We will work diligently to protect your invention and ensure that your rights are upheld in court.

Lloyd & Mousilli has a proven track record of successfully representing clients in trademark and patent infringement cases, and we are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients. Whether you are facing a patent infringement lawsuit or need to defend your patent rights, we will fight on your behalf to protect your intellectual property.

With over 15 years of patent/intellectual property and technology law experience that includes Dell, Apple and Amazon, Lloyd & Mousilli’s legal service can be an asset for your company.

Speak with an IP Lawyer: (512) 609-0059

A Texas patent attorney (or IP attorney) can provide invaluable tips on how to protect your intellectual property, and be well-prepared for litigation. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today to learn more about how Lloyd & Mousilli can help you build and safeguard your patent portfolio.