Patents
Bringing a new invention to market requires extensive patent protection. At DLS, we assist with all aspects of the patent process – from filing initial applications to enforcing your rights against infringers.
Our attorneys help secure provisional, utility/non-provisional and design patents to protect your intellectual property through every stage. Once your patents are granted, we provide maintenance fee tracking and patent portfolio analysis to maximize their alignment with your business strategy and revenue streams.
With decades of combined experience, our lawyers handle patentability assessments, licensing agreements, dispute settlements, and patent enforcement actions. We also leverage international filing options to expand your protection globally. Trust DLS to secure air-tight patent exclusivity, so you can focus on advancing your groundbreaking ideas. Discover how our experts can optimize your intellectual property.
Provisional Patents
If you have a promising new invention but need more time to develop it before pursuing a full patent, filing a provisional patent application can protect your rights in the meantime. Provisional patents quickly establish priority date and “patent pending” status with the USPTO at a low cost. This reserves your limited rights while granting 12 months to perfect your invention.
The DLS patent law team has the expertise to handle your provisional patent filing properly and overcome issues like inadequate disclosure.
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) / International Filings
If your invention has global market potential, securing international patent protection is crucial. But the costs of filing in multiple countries individually can be prohibitive.
This is where the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system comes in. A PCT application preserves your priority date and buys you time to plan your entry into specific national phases in the most strategic and cost-effective way.
At DLS, our attorneys have over 30 years of experience leveraging PCT applications and guiding inventors through the complex international patent system. We can prepare your PCT filing to maximize enforceable protection worldwide.
Utility Patents / Non-Provisional Patents
A utility patent provides the strongest protection to guard your intellectual property rights. Utility patents give you 20 years of exclusive rights to manufacture, use, and sell your invention. This lets you establish a competitive advantage and profit from your innovation before others can copy it.
DLS goes beyond typical legal services. Our “Revenue Patent” system focuses on securing your entire business model and future revenue stream, not just protecting your invention. With direct access to patent databases and a tailored approach, DLS’s experienced attorneys will secure the broadest utility patent coverage possible.
Design Patents
If your product relies on a unique, distinctive aesthetic and ornamental appearance, a design patent can protect those visual elements from copycats. Design patents cover the ornamental look and styling of a product, not its functional aspects. They provide 14 years of exclusive rights over the overall shape, surface design, and visual appeal.
The process of obtaining a design patent is nuanced. You need precise documentation and drawings. Prior art and ornamentality requirements must be satisfied. But DLS’s experienced patent attorneys can handle the entire application to maximize enforceability. We focus on clearly conveying and protecting those ornamental features that make your product stand out.