Barrigar Intellectual Property Group


	HOME


	BACK


	INFO FOR DIRECT CLIENTS


	INFO FOR FOREIGN ASSOCIATES


	OUR PROFESSIONALS


	OUR OFFICES - CONTACT US


	READ OUR NEWSLETTERS


	Fundamentals Time and Money Provisional Option Expense Representation Applicant Patent Rights Requirements Patentability Searches Protection Prior to Filing Application Preparing & Filing an Application Prosecution of an Application Grant of a Patent Foreign Filings Filing Strategies Maintenance Fees Budget Managing Secrecy Marking

Patents

Seeking to obtain a patent is expensive, time-consuming, and sometimes frustrating. It is important that you understand a few of the basic principles of patent law and procedure, and associated time and expense considerations, in order to make an informed decision on whether to invest in a patent application, and if so, in how many countries. This memorandum explains some of the basics, but you should consult us about anything that you don't understand or on which you need more information. We don't charge a fee for routine explanation of basic points such as those presented in this memorandum, but we do charge for a more detailed review your specific invention and for our consideration of the legal and procedural points that may bear on your specific situation. Expect a fee of about $300 for a first meeting lasting no more than an hour.

Patents are expensive. If you lack finances, find a business partner.

Although the eventual cost of preparing, filing and prosecuting a patent application can be formidable, you can adopt a staged approach to patenting that can reduce initial expenses and can stagger the cost over as much as several years.

Although a patentability search may be an extra expense preceding the filing of a patent application, you may be able to do some searching yourself and reduce or eliminate this expense.

Note that filing a patent application is not the end of the road. Prosecution expenses occurring over two or more years add appreciably to the overall cost. If you want patents in more than one country, you will need to file either an international patent application or a series of national applications in the countries you elect. The foregoing adds to the total expense.

You have no protection for your invention until a patent is granted. Expect no patent for at least about two years after your application is filed, longer than that in most countries.

If you have already sold goods embodying your invention, or have disclosed your invention to anyone without obtaining an obligation of confidence, you may have deprived yourself of the opportunity to obtain patent protection. Read the details on this website.

Obtaining a patent gives you no right to practise your own invention. Rather, it gives you the right to stop other people from using it.

Please select a topic to the left for more information on patents. For information on patent searching, PCT applications or software and business methods, please select the appropriate link above.


	Nothing here written constitutes legal advice. The accuracy of what is written is not guaranteed. Please consult us about any specific matter on which you require legal advice. © Barrigar Intellectual Property Law 2001