Professional Patent Attorney Services
Our patent attorneys offer services for every step of the patent process.
Trusted by National News Media
Benjamin Hanrahan, Esq. is a Registered Patent attorney, Board Certified in Intellectual Property Law by the Florida Bar, and recognized by Super Lawyers. Mr. Hanrahan has experience in patent licensing, enforcement and preparing infringement, non-infringement and invalidity opinions.
Patent Search Package
$1,500
- (Pre-search) Consultation with registered patent attorney
- Search of U.S. patents and published U.S. patent applications
- Opinion letter and search report provided in 1-2 weeks
- Follow up-consultation and review of search report with registered patent attorney
*The scope of the search is limited to U.S. patents and published U.S. patent applications.
Because we need to review each patent matter independently to ensure it fits within the scope of this flat fee service, please fill out our contact form by clicking the button below.
What We Do
We offer a full range of trademark, copyright and patent services to entrepreneurs, established businesses and other attorneys (on behalf of their clients). We can assist clients in all 50 U.S. states and from countries around the world.
Three Steps We Use to File Your Patent Application
Step 1: Preliminary Patentability Search
Once you complete our engagement form, we will conduct a search of U.S. patents and published U.S. patent applications. Our search of the patent databases is done utilizing many different techniques, including, for example, carefully selected broad and narrow keyword searches as well as classification searches using the International Patent Classification and Cooperative Patent Classification systems. Our search is designed to identify other patents and patent applications that may impact the patentability of your invention.
Step 2: Patent Attorney Consultation
Within 7-10 business days of commencing work, we will return the patentability search results for your review in the form of a written report and opinion. You can then set up a time to talk to one of our attorneys about the search results and any other questions you have about the patent application process.
Step 3: Patent Application Filed
Our experienced patent attorneys will prepare your patent application for your review and approval. In the event your patent application requires formal patent drawings, our draftsman will also prepare a set of figures to accompany the patent application. Once the patent application is filed, you will be able to use the “patent pending” language in connection with your invention.
Experienced Patent Attorneys with Gerben IP
Entrepreneurs and business owners understand the importance of protecting their intellectual property. As an inventor, you’ve no doubt invested much of your time and money in developing your product, so you’ll want to be sure that your investment, and your invention, are protected. In order to protect your invention, however, you must register your patents with the USPTO.
From determining which patents to file to conducting a search and drafting an application, the process to register a patent can be time consuming and challenging. Work with an experienced patent attorney to walk you through the process. Let our experts manage patent registration, so you can focus on being an expert on your invention.
The process to register a patent takes between one to three years from start to finish. During that time, you’ll need to make many important legal decisions, like which patents you need to protect your invention and which application is needed. You will then need to conduct a patentability search to be sure your invention is unique and non-obvious before you submit your application to the USPTO.
We understand that each invention is unique, and the needs of each inventor may be very different. We’ll work with you to understand your needs and create a patent registration process tailored to your invention. From conducting a search to drafting an application and responding to non-substantive Office Actions on your behalf, the experienced team at Gerben IP is ready to help. We’ll ensure that your patent registration process runs smoothly and that you obtain the protections needed for your invention.
How Our Patent Attorneys Can Assist You
Patent Searches
A patent will only be granted to inventions that are new and non-obvious. In order to determine if a particular invention is new, the USPTO will conduct a thorough search of existing patents. For this reason, it’s important to conduct your own patentability search prior to filing your application with the USPTO. This search can be tedious and time consuming, but the attorneys at Gerben IP have extensive experience conducting searches for all types of patents. During your patent search, you could find that a part of your invention has already been registered. If so, you can work with your attorney to draft an application that focuses on other parts of your invention. Our reasonable, flat fee patent registration includes a comprehensive patentability search, so you can move forward with confidence toward patent registration.
Patent Applications
While completing your patent application, you will need to make many decisions based on what you plan to patent. The first is which type of patent you need to protect your invention, either a design patent, a utility patent, or both. A design patent is not based on functionality, but of the unique design of an invention, the curved shape of a Volkswagen Beetle, for example. A utility patent is used to protect how the invention functions.
If you decide you need a utility patent to protect your product, you must next choose which type of patent application you should file. Provisional patent applications are commonly filed first. These will not be examined by the USPTO, but will serve as a placeholder in the queue for twelve months, while you fine tune your invention. After that time, you will need to file a standard (or non-provisional) application. This is a much more detailed process, and your application will be seen by an examiner. Our patent attorneys will work with you to choose the correct patent and application for your product, and then help to acquire and send the proper documentation for your application.
Office Actions and Amendments
Throughout the application process, it’s not uncommon to receive Office Actions issued by the USPTO. An examiner will issue an Office Action if there are questions or concerns about your patent application, whether they are requesting new documents, seeking clarification, or, in some cases, notifying you that your application has been denied. When you receive an Office Action, it’s critical to respond appropriately, and to meet the deadlines set by the USPTO and documented in the Office Action. The attorneys at Gerben IP have experience responding to Office Actions of all types. We’ll work with you to draft the best response, and to provide our response in a timely manner. Our team will also be able to respond to most non-substantive Office Actions on your behalf.
Patent Enforcement
A federally registered patent will provide your invention valuable protections, but only if you choose to enforce them. The UPSTO will grant your patent, but they will not police its use or enforce your rights. These are your responsibilities as a patent owner. Fortunately, Gerben IP offers services to make patent enforcement more manageable. Whether you need to send a cease-and-desist letter to a small business or move to settlement negotiations to stop the infringement, we can help. We can also issue take-down notices if you find your invention on sites like Amazon or eBay without your permission. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive enforcement services.