FAQ
- How do your firm's fees compare to the fees of other firms?
- What do your flat fees include?
- Do you charge for emails and phone calls?
- I see that your firm is based in Portland, Oregon. Will you assist me if I do not live in Oregon?
- How do I patent my invention?
- Should I file a provisional patent application or a nonprovisional patent application?
- What are the benefits of filing a provisional patent application?
- What are the benefits of filing a nonprovisional patent application?
- How long does it take to get a patent?
- Is it possible to file a trademark application before I've started selling products or services?
- How long does it take to register a trademark?
Law Firm Questions
How do your firm's fees compare to the fees of other firms?
Our fees represent an exceptional value – what we describe as a win-win for us and our clients. Our attorneys have extensive experience working in large law firms and continue to provide the same high quality legal products and services they always have. However, we profitably do so without charging the high rates of a big firm. This table shows how we leverage our experience and low overhead expenses to provide substantial savings to our clients at a fair profit:
Legal Service |
Typical Fee of |
Our Typical |
Savings |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Copyright Application |
$550 |
$350 |
$200 |
36% |
Trademark Application & Search |
$1500 |
$950 |
$550 |
37% |
Provisional Patent Application* |
$2100 |
$1250 |
$850 |
40% |
Nonprovisional Patent Application* |
$8,750 |
$5,500 |
$3,250 |
37% |
What do your flat fees include?
The flat fees include everything involved with preparing and filing your patent, trademark, or copyright application. Indeed, the flat fees include all legal fees, standard government fees, and administrative fees. For nonprovisional patent applications, the flat fee also includes a standard set of technical drawings.
Do you charge for emails and phone calls?
Generally, no. We do not charge legal fees for time spent answering your general questions about a service you are considering or about an ongoing matter. We also do not charge for emails or letters we prepare to update you on the status of your case. We do not nickel-and-dime clients as often occurs in larger law firms.
If a given question would involve extended legal research or substantial time to answer properly, we will discuss the legal fees that would be involved and will obtain your approval before proceeding.
I see that your firm is based in Portland, Oregon. Will you assist me if I do not live in Oregon?
Certainly. We provide patent, trademark, and copyright services for clients across the country. Most of our practice involves federal law, which is not state specific. For state specific legal matters, we have attorneys licensed in Oregon, California, and Wisconsin.
Back to TopPatent Questions
How do I patent my invention?
In the most straightforward case, obtaining a patent begins by filing a patent application, which the Patent Office examines for patent eligibility. After making any necessary amendments, the Patent Office will grant a patent if the invention is eligible for patent protection.
The full patent process can involve considerable complexity. Our registered patent attorneys will guide your application through each stage of the process. Our method for obtaining patents is designed to be efficient and cost-effective. We make a point to keep you informed throughout the process.
Should I file a provisional patent application or a nonprovisional patent application?
We often recommend filing a provisional patent application if you primarily want to "test the waters" for market demand for your invention before investing in a full nonprovisional patent application. Our provisional patent applications provide a low cost way for you to establish priority to your invention and to preserve your existing eligibility for patent protection.
We often recommend proceeding straight to a nonprovisional patent application when you know you intend to fully pursue an enforceable patent and/or when you suspect a competitor may be planning to use your invention. If you definitely intend to pursue a patent, it is most cost-effective most expedient to file a nonprovisional patent application directly.
Back to TopWhat are the benefits of filing a provisional patent application?
Filing a provisional application establishes a priority date and patent pending status, which allows you more time to refine the invention and to perform patentability searches. A provisional application helps avoid an invention becoming ineligible for patent protection due to statutory bars. After filing a provisional patent application, you have safeguards in place to test demand for your invention; present their invention to investors; and/or to begin generating revenue from your invention.
What are the benefits of filing a nonprovisional patent application?
A nonprovisional patent application is the mechanism to obtain an enforceable utility patent. If you want patent protection as fast as possible, filing a nonprovisional patent application is the way to go. Unlike provisional patent applications, nonprovisional patent applications will generally be published by the Patent Office. A published patent application can help you secure investments in an invention and puts your competitors on notice of pending patent rights.
How long does it take to get a patent?
On our end, we target a 2-week turnaround time for provisional patent applications and a 3-week turnaround time for nonprovisional patent applications. The Patent Office timing data currently suggests that most new applications will be examined in about 24 months and final decisions will be made in about 36 months. Our attorneys can speed up the process in certain instances.
Back to TopTrademark Questions
Is it possible to file a trademark application before I've started selling products or services?
Yes, you may file a trademark application as soon as you intend to sell products or services in connection with that trademark in the future. We recommend filing trademark applications at an early stage to ensure that marketing and labeling expenditures are not wasted on trademarks that are not eligible for protection or available for use without risk of liability.
How long does it take to register a trademark?
Many trademarks can be registered in approximately 12 months. If you are currently selling products with your trademark, this trademark timeline will apply. If you have not yet sold products using your trademark, this intent-to-use trademark timeline will apply.
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