Patents
1. Applications: Preparation of patent applications for new compounds, compositions of matter, articles of manufacture, processes, and manufacturing methods. Correspondent law firms in all major industrialized countries provide worldwide assistance for obtaining patents in foreign countries.
2. Patentability Opinions: After a proposed invention is identified, a search and study is done of the records of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to determine whether the exact or a similar invention has been revealed before, and whether the statutory requirements of novelty, usefulness and non-obviousness will probably be met so that a patent application is warranted.
3. Right to Use Opinions: A comprehensive search and study is performed to compare a proposed new product or research effort to the claims of existing patents of others. This is done to alert the client to the patent rights of others before costly research programs and product introductions are made. This reduces the risk of re-inventing the work done by others and the likelihood of infringement. The results can suggest a "design-around" or identify licensing possibilities.
4. Validity Opinions: When a potential blocking patent of another party is identified, a study is done to determine the scope of that party's protection, whether the patent was properly obtained and whether defenses are available to its enforcement against the client.
5. Infringement Opinions: An examination is made of a product produced by another party and compared to the claims of patents owned by the client to determine whether a case of infringement should be asserted. This includes an analysis of the strength of the client's patent, potential defenses, and the prospective damages involved.
6. Enhanced Process Patent Protection: The owner of a U.S. patent protecting a process can prevent the importation of goods or seek redress for infringement by the use or sale of goods in the United States, even though the goods were made by practicing the process outside the United States.
7. Maintenance: Both U.S. and foreign patents are subject to maintenance requirements to keep them in force. Maintenance fees must be paid regularly or else patents lapse. In addition, certain countries have a requirement for "working" the patent or for compulsory licensing. A strategic plan for patent use and upkeep is necessary for all patent owners and licensing programs.