patents & prototypes 1 2011

Other Offices in Hong Kong and Bangkok

Presented by:

Eric A. HanscomManaging Attorney

2141 Palomar Airport Road, Suite 320Carlsbad, CA 92011

Phone: (760) 651 0142Email: info@iciplaw.com

Website: www.iciplaw.com

35 U.S.C. §102: You have 1 year from the time you first “publicly disclose” your invention until you have to file for patent protection.

35 U.S.C. §102: You have 1 year from the time you first “publicly disclose” your invention until you have to file for patent protection.

Type of Intellectu

al Property

Protects

Average time until issue or

final rejection?

Expect to pay

(attorney fees + costs)*

Length of protection

Renew-able?

Practical examples in

business

Patent (Utility)

How something works

3 years$7,000 - 50,000

20 years from date of filing

application*

No

Devices, substances,

business methods.

Patent (Provisional

)

1 year grace period to file a utility patent application

1 year$3,000 - $6,000

1 year "grace period"

No

Devices, substances,

business methods.

Patent (US Design)

How something looks

1 year $2,00014 years from date of issue

NoUnique shapes

of products

Patent (European

Design)

How something looks

5 months$2,000 - $5,000

Up to 25 years from

date of issue

NoUnique shapes

of products

* Certain Exceptions Apply

Is it a business or a hobby? Business are created to make money, hobbies are for fun. If your invention is just a hobby, sure, try to do it yourself, but don’t expect to succeed.

Mistakes made with IP applications are often not “discovered” until years after filing, and you may lose potential patent and trademark rights during this time.

A solid IP strategy is essential for attracting investors. Seasoned investors will look carefully at your patent, trademark and copyright applications before they invest in your invention, so why not do it right the first time?

As the inventor, what is a good use of your time? Successful inventors focus on what they do best and hire professionals for the rest.