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Only the true original inventor(s), or an authorized representative, such as an assignee or licensee, may file a patent application for an invention.
Before filing a patent application, it is wise to conduct a patent search to make sure the idea has not already been disclosed.
The inventor may sell ownership interest (or title) in the invention to anyone through assignment, and the inventor may receive either a lump sum payment, and/or a royalty payment based on the future sales of the invention by the assignee. Frequently, an inventor may want to keep the title to the patent but allow others to use the invention through the grant of a license in exchange for a fixed fee or in conjunction with royalty payments.
After the inventor has submitted a patent application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the inventor may insert the notice ‘patent pending' or ‘patent applied for' onto the invention and accompanying material.
A U.S. patent is valid only within the United States. If one would like to have patent rights and protection in other countries, they will need to file a corresponding patent application in those countries. Note that this is generally a very expensive process.
Do you have an invention that needs protection?
Howard M. Cohn & Associates has experience in all aspects of the patent process. Click here to view examples of our work. Contact us for help in protecting your invention.
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| - Patents - | | | | | | |
| |  | Patent FAQ | | | | | |
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