We register patents in the chemical, medical, food, printing and other industries.
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The experience and technical background of the 4B experts will allow to qualitatively distinguish new essential features of the client’s technical solution from the competitors.
Do everything possible to make the solution patentable and help block competitors on marketplaces.
The chances of obtaining a patent are determined according to the novelty of the technical solution and are submitted for registration.
The work of 4B expert with the highest possible probability increases the patentability of the technical solution.
We will help you understand a number of important questions about obtaining a design patent in America, that are specific to your situation and business in general.
Writing an application in English
Filing an application
Responses to requests for expertise
Notification of the client about the status of the consideration of the application
Payment of the patent in case of a positive conclusion of the examination
Registered design patent in the USA
1. Is a patent search conducted prior to filing a design in the USA?
Yes, 4B provides a Prior Art patent search service. In fact, we recommend using this service before ordering a patent application, which often saves money in cases where a technical solution turns out to be non-patentable.
2. Is there a guarantee of obtaining a patent?
No. According to world statistics, 55% of patent applications filed are converted to patents. Although this conversion in 4B is significantly more important. There are factors that may prevent a patent from being granted: premature disclosure of the design by the applicant, a competing patent that has already been filed but not published at the time of the client’s application, etc.
3. Are there recommendations for design improvement?
In general, yes. 4B experts describe possible directions (if any) of design development in the conclusions of the patent search or study of the client’s specification. But the inventor is the client, so specific product or process improvements will be made by the client.
4. Can I get a discount for multiple patent applications?
In most cases – yes. It depends on the proximity and complexity of technical solutions. The issue is discussed with the manager before launching the service.
5. How long does design patent protection last?
This period is 14 years from the date of the patent.
6. Can I know without searching that my solution is non-patentable?
Yes. Usually there are several markers «for» and «against». If you disclosed your solution 12 months before contacting 4B and it can be found by an expert (e.g. on a marketplace), your solution is non-patentable.
If you copied the invention anywhere, your solution is probably non-patentable. If you developed the solution yourself, however, it may qualify for a patent.
7. Which industries have the largest number of design patents?
Computer technology and digital communications, furniture and household items, construction, textiles and accessories are the industries with the largest number of design patents in the world.
8. How many design applications are submitted in the USA?
There are about 50,000 applications a year. According to this indicator, the USA is the fourth-largest country in the world after China, Korea, and the EU.
9. Do I have to pay any fees to maintain a design patent?
No. Compared to patents for inventions, there are no such fees under U.S. law.
10. How long does the examination last?
On average, it takes about two years from the date of application to the date the patent is granted.
Before registration, you can take advantage of a free consultation with a lawyer, in which you will tell more about your business and the challenges you face.
The lawyer, for his part, will make a preliminary assessment of the possibility of obtaining a patent, describe the structure and logic of the application for registration, the relevant risks and methods of overcoming them. You will get detailed answers to all your questions, as well as get clarifications that you may not have been aware of before.