We analyze alternate designs and competing patents, and draft opinions on patentability and infringement issues. We manage patent publications monitoring programs. We manage US and extra-national patent portfolios for periodic annuities and maintenance payments. The first step is typically an initial consultation for a summary presentation of the invention and business plan. We prefer to see a written description and drawings explaining the invention in detail, the problem it solves, the ways in which it is different from prior solutions, and the plan by which the client expects to profit from the invention.
Prototypes are helpful.
Consultations may be accomplished in person, by phone, or by other means. A provisional application is not examined, but must contain a fully enabling disclosure of the invention in order to be an effective priority document. It expires after one year unless followed by a regular utility application referring back to it for its priority date. In most jurisdictions, a first application must be filed in the same or a reciprocating country prior to any publication or offer of sale of the invention. In the U.S. only, there is a one year grace period after the date of publication or first offer of sale, during which a first application can be filed.