FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS on
PROTECTING MY INVENTION IN THE UNITED STATES
How long does a patent right last?
There are three different types of patents in the U.S. and all have limited durations, the longest lasting approximately twenty years from the date that the inventors applied for the patent. Unlike other types of intellectual property rights, patents eventually expire and the technology disclosed in the document becomes public domain for all to use freely. During the time that the patent is enforceable, however, a patent owner, or an exclusive licensee with all substantial rights in the patent, may file suit in federal court to seek both injunctive relief and damages.
Are there different types of patents?
Yes. There are three different types of patents. Utility patents, design patents and plant patents.
What does a utility patent cover?
Utility patents may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof.
What does a design patent cover?
Design patents may be granted to anyone who invents a new, original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacture.
What does a plant patent cover?
Plant patents may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers and asexually reproduces any distinct and new variety of plant.
Useful link:
www.uspto.gov
May 08, 2013 -
Florida Board Certified IP attorney Jorge Espinosa authored a byliner in the Daily Business Review on May 8, 2013 entitled “How Google Glass Could Alter our Perception of IP” about how Google Glass and technology trends are affecting the way we interact with intellectual property.
Apr 10, 2013 -
Patent attorney William R. Trueba, Jr. authored a byliner in the Daily Business Review on April 10, 2013 entitled “Reality may thwart purpose of SHIELD law” about patent troll legislation. To read the article, click here.
Apr 08, 2013 -
Patent attorney William R. Trueba, Jr. is the current President of the Miami Catholic Lawyers Guild, which hosts the annual celebration of the Red Mass at Gesu Catholic Church, 118 N.E. 2nd Street, in downtown Miami. This year’s Red Mass is being held Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 12 noon and the public is invited to attend at no charge. After the Mass, the Guild will host a reception in the Hurtak Hall honoring Judge Beatrice Butchko of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court, the 2013 recipient of the Guild’s “Lex Christi, Lex Amoris” award. Press Release.