The Constitution protects “useful arts” by inventresses and inventors, commonly known as “patents”, the registration and maintenance of which is administered by the USPTO. The registration process is lengthy and costly, but necessary to secure a limited monopoly for an invention. Different types of inventive design and inventions require different types of applications and claims, and the circumstances of you unique situation will effect your options.
Knowing when to file a patent application and when to continue research and development is key to any inventive process. And now that the US has adopted the international “first-to-file” system, such timing is all the more crucial. Hibbs Law, LLC can assist you in understanding the state of the art around your invention and what space may be unique to you. We can evaluate your idea, compare it to existing technology, and outline the possible risks and strategies. So that you can make an informed decision. We can prepare the necessary documents for your application, prosecute your patent application through the examination process, and navigate and respond to USPTO office actions or PTAB appeals. Once your patent rights are secured we can help you develop enforcement practices, asset your rights against infringing actors, and negotiate licensing and other agreements to make the most of you limited but precious monopoly. Patent terms may be extendable through delays by the USPTO or mechanisms like the Hatch-Waxman Act.
Before a chemical or compound becomes a medical treatment, early-stage research must identify the relevant biological targets and develop known pharmacological or other identifiable activity. This process to develop a potential therapeutic medicine or product is a daunting endeavor which requires investment of time and money. Without sharp attention to possible dry candidates and novel research tools, opportunities may be lost or remain unrealized. Hibbs Law, LLC can assist you in determining whether materials, methods, or tools you develop in your research can be the basis for a claim to patent protection.
As the research process progresses, small or large organic molecules may be identified for further exploration. Identifying stable compound & determining potency, and developing assays for activity are primary goals in developing therapeutically meaningful results. Contact Hibbs Law, LLC about the possibilities open to you in protecting your innovations.