It is important to consider which type(s) of patent applications are best suited for you and your invention. If you are unsure which patent application(s) you need, simply contact Hanrahan Law Firm by phone or email for a free consultation.

In general, there are two main types of patent applications, each of which seek protection on a different aspect of the invention. Those two types are a design patent application and a utility patent application.

A design patent application will seek to protect the non-functional, aesthetic or ornamental aspects of an invention, such as how a product looks. For example, the ornamental shape of a newly designed pen, remote control, or product packaging may each be the subject of a U.S. design patent application.

On the other hand, a utility patent application is directed toward the functional or utility aspects of an invention, such as how the invention is made or how it works or functions. For a utility patent application, there are two options: a provisional patent application and a non-provisional patent application.

A provisional patent application is a relatively quick and inexpensive way to obtain “Patent Pending” for your invention; however, it will automatically expire exactly one (1) year from its filing date and will never be examined by a Patent Examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Accordingly, a non-provisional patent application must be filed within one year of the provisional patent application filing date (before the provisional patent application expires) to maintain the “Patent Pending” status and to proceed toward examination.

The other type of utility patent application, a non-provisional patent application, is considered the full patent application, and will be assigned to a Patent Examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) upon filing to determine whether a patent can be granted. At Hanrahan Law Firm, a non-provisional patent application includes a detailed description and a set of detailed patent claims prepared by a Registered Patent Attorney.

To order any of the above Flat Fee Patent Applications, simply contact HLF, and Registered Patent Attorney Benjamin M. Hanrahan will personally return your message.

All communications, including invention disclosures, with attorney Benjamin M. Hanrahan and Hanrahan Law Firm, P.A. are strictly confidential.