The Role Of A Patent Attorney
The legal field has a myriad of professionals who deal in a wide array of legal facets from criminal to divorce. Patent attorneys specialize in cases where people or companies are making a claim that someone has either stolen or interfered with an exclusive patent that they've created. This is also commonly known as trademark infringement, and it requires a lawyer who fully understands the current United States trademark and patent laws.
What Patent Attorneys Do
If someone has invented a product and applied for a patent, the idea is then considered their own, exclusive to that patent. If someone else decides to use that idea for a profit without express permission, this is known as patent or trademark infringement. The inventor then has the right to sue the offending party for such crime. A patent attorney, like one from Lingbeck Law Office, is there to represent the patent holder and protect their intellectual property. Well-versed patent attorneys stay up to date on the latest technological developments so they have a working knowledge of what exists and what is considered to be infringement.
How Patent Attorneys Get Their Title
A patent attorney is very specialized type of lawyer, so they must first receive a Bachelor's degree in a specific scientific field. These fields have to be approved by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Some examples of approved fields include engineering, biology, or chemistry. If the attorney plans to represent a client, they have to have a solid understanding of the field in which their clients operate. They must also pass the Patent Bar Exam. After receiving their bachelor's degree, patent attorneys need to complete a Juris Doctor program at an accredited law school in order to begin practicing. They must also submit an application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office to receive an official license.
Who Needs Patent Attorneys?
Not everyone who has an invention needs to hire a patent attorney. Here are some instances where it would be prudent to call one and enlist their assistance:
- You've confirmed that your patented idea is completely original, and you see a similar product being sold where the idea appears to be taken from yours.
- You see a product being sold without your permission that has used your patented concept to make a profit without your consent.
- Someone you once worked with has "stolen" your idea and is attempting to claim it as their own.
Using an attorney who specialized in this type of law can protect you and the hard work you've put in to make something out of your own ideas. It is worth it to use these kinds of lawyers in order to make sure your intellectual property remains yours, and stays protected.