Florida Patent Lawyers for Domestic and International Prosecution, Licensing and Litigation
Patent protection is essential to inventions and discoveries, and registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and with international patent offices as appropriate, is just the first step in an ongoing protection and monetization strategy. At Lott & Fischer, we bring decades of experience to representing inventors, companies and licensees in all aspects of patent protection, from prior art searches and registration to licensing and litigation.
Why Hire a Florida Patent Attorney
With a client list that includes many of the world’s leading technology and consumer product companies, we offer experience that is unparalleled among firms of our size. Our attorneys possess diverse backgrounds in the disciplines of aerospace, mechanical, and electrical, with special expertise in medical devices, consumer goods, and computer technology. From assessing patentability and procuring patents worldwide, to engaging in patent litigation in Florida and throughout the United States, we provide comprehensive legal services for patent owners and litigants with an unwavering commitment to protecting our clients’ domestic and international rights.
Patent Prosecution, Licensing and Litigation Lawyers
In addition to representing global companies in all aspects of patent portfolio management, protection, and monetization, we also routinely work with companies, entrepreneurs and inventors in Florida. While we tailor our representation to each client’s goals and needs, our focus in all matters is on ensuring that our clients’ patent rights are undeniably secure. We do this by advising and representing our clients at all stages of the patent lifecycle and by utilizing our experience to secure critical rights through prosecution, licensing and enforcement of patents.
In addition to representing clients directly, when necessary we also work with a network of corresponding attorneys to secure our clients’ patent rights in Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean Basin and the Middle East.
Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs): Patent Protection in the U.S. and Abroad
Q: How long do patent registrations last in the United States?
In the United States, utility patents have a term of 20 years from the date of filing of an application. Design patents granted for applications filed on or after May 13, 2015 have a term of 15 years from the date of issuance, and those granted for applications filed before May 13, 2015 have a term of 14 years from the date of issuance.
Q: Is it necessary to conduct a patent search?
Although patentability searches are not mandatory, we highly recommend them. In order to secure patent protection, it is necessary to establish that the claimed invention is novel, useful and non-obvious. If an invention does not meet each of these three criteria (along with constituting patentable subject matter), then not only is it not eligible for a patent, but making use of the claimed invention could also give rise to a claim of patent infringement. A patentability search can provide assurances that the invention in question meets the conditions for patentability prior to filing and prior to any potential exposure to liability for infringement.
Q: Is patent protection country-specific?
Yes. Each jurisdiction has its own patent examination system, and an invention that is only issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office will not enjoy protection outside the United States. Having said that, the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and other international accords allow for streamlined filing of patent applications simultaneously in several jurisdictions.
Speak with a Florida Patent Attorney in South Florida
If you would like to speak with one of our patent lawyers, we encourage you to get in touch. To request an appointment, please call 305-448-7089 or contact us online.