how to write a letter abouta patent issue to a lawyer

by Annette Shanahan 8 min read

How do you write a detailed description for a patent?

Steps to File a Patent DescriptionCreate a Title. ... Describe the Technical Field. ... Describe the Background. ... Explain Problems You Encountered. ... Discuss How Your Invention Solves These Problems. ... List the Figures. ... Explain the Scope of Your Intellectual Property. ... Explain How to Use Your Invention.More items...

What happens when a patent is issued?

What Happens When a Patent Is Granted? Once the USPTO issues a patent, the patent status is no longer pending. Your invention can no longer be produced or sold without your consent. You should mark a patented invention with "patented" and the patent number instead of "patent pending."

How do you write an abstract for a patent?

Writing Your Abstract Explain what your invention is and tell the reader what it will be used for. Describe the main components of your invention and how they work. Don't refer to any claims, drawings or other elements that are included in your application.Feb 27, 2019

How do you assign a patent to a company?

If you have decided to go ahead and assign patent rights to your company, you must draft an Assignment Agreement. This Assignment Agreement must have language that assigns all rights to any and all patents related to a specific patent application. This Assignment Agreement must be signed by all inventors of the patent.

How do you tell if a patent is issued?

USPTO Patent Full-Text and Image Database (PatFT) Inventors are encouraged to search the USPTO's patent database to see if a patent has already been filed or granted that is similar to your patent. Patents may be searched in the USPTO Patent Full-Text and Image Database (PatFT).Oct 18, 2018

How long does the patent process take?

According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), it takes about 22 months to get patent approval after going through the steps to file a patent. If you're eligible for a prioritized examination for plant and utility patents, known as Track One, you might get approval in six to 12 months.

What are the 3 types of patents?

What kind of patent do you need?There are three types of patents - Utility, Design, and Plant.Utility Patent.Design Patent.Plant Patent.Jan 31, 2019

How do you write a patent title?

The patent title should be descriptive of the invention to which the claims are directed. If the title is not considered descriptive, the Patent Office Examiner may require a new title. The patent title must not exceed 500 characters in length and must be as short and as specific and descriptive as possible.Nov 1, 2017

What is an example of a patent?

Inventions can be electrical, mechanical, or chemical in nature. Examples of inventions protected by utility patents are a microwave oven, genetically engineered bacteria for cleaning up oil spills, a computerized method of running cash management accounts, and a method for curing rubber.Jun 8, 2017

Does a patent assignment have to be notarized?

The USPTO does not require patent assignments to be notarized. The patent office only requires that the assignment be executed and signed by both the assignor and the assignee. Once an agreement is executed and signed by the parties, the assignment must be recorded with the patent office.

How do you determine who owns a patent?

When you're looking at a published application or issued patent, you'll find the owner of the patent listed as the “assignee” of a patent. If there are no listed assignees, then the owner is the inventor or inventors.Mar 5, 2021

How are patents assigned?

A patent or patent application is assignable by an instrument in writing, and the assignment of the patent, or patent application, transfers to the assignee(s) an alienable (transferable) ownership interest in the patent or application.

What to write in response to a letter from a lawyer?

If you are writing to a response to a letter from a lawyer, you will need to clearly tell the lawyer what your response is. You may want to: reject a claim that you were negligent in a car accident. reject an offer of settlement. make an offer of settlement.

What should a letter to a lawyer include?

Your letter should include: Your address, the law firm's address and the date. Headings and references. A reference to any relevant previous letters. What your response is. What you want the other side to do.

What is a law firm reference number?

A law firm's reference number helps them identify who their client is and which lawyer in their firm is handling the case.

What does "without prejudice" mean in a letter?

This means the letters sent by you usually can't be used as evidence in court. Before sending the letter, you should get legal advice.

Why is it important to include a date in a letter?

Always include the date you are signing/sending the letter. A date is important because: it can help you prove when you sent the letter. a date can be used to identify the document. For example, if you call the law firm about your letter you can ask them if they have received your letter 'dated 10 January 2011'.

How to respond to a car accident lawyer?

If you are writing to a response to a letter from a lawyer, you will need to clearly tell the lawyer what your response is. You may want to: 1 reject a claim that you were negligent in a car accident 2 reject an offer of settlement 3 make an offer of settlement 4 ask for more information (further and better particulars) 5 respond to a request for further and better particulars.

When writing to a law firm, is it helpful to include their reference number?

When writing to a law firm it is helpful to include their reference number if you know it. If you know the name of the lawyer handling the case, you could write their name above the name of the law firm.

How to educate the recipient of a patent notice?

First, to leverage your legal position as patent owner, you should investigate the target’s competitive product lines to identify with specificity (by make and model number) the maximum number of products for which a license to the noticed patent(s) is needed . This will not only show that you have done your homework (presumably any worthy adversary would), it will increase the pressure that the letter will exert upon the notice recipient. Second, the patent owner should ideally give an explanation (w hether in claim chart form or not) as to why the patent owner believes that a given product or method infringes particular claims. The alternative approach of “you go figure it out” is akin to throwing someone a shovel and telling them it is acceptable to start digging. It might be acceptable, but that does not mean the reader feel compelled to investigate. To the contrary, a letter which opts not to explain the basis for infringement runs the risk of having the reader conclude that the patent owner is incapable of articulating the infringement theory – and this, in turn, seriously diminishes the prospects that the notice letter will leave the intended impression on the reader.

What is a patent license?

An approach that identifies the patent owner, the accused product, particular claims of one or more patents, and provides an explanation for why a patent license is believed to be appropriate will go a long way towards establishing a professional, if not cordial relationship with the recipient. I recommend that you draft notice letters which conform to Gart, creating an actual demand of infringement to commence the damages period, while exercising restraint in the choice of language and tone to avoid a declaratory judgment action.

What is a proper notice letter?

First, notice requires “an affirmative communication of a specific charge of infringement by a specific accused product or device .” Amsted Indus. Inc., v. Buckeye Steel Castings Co., 24 F.3d 178, 187 (Fed. Cir. 1994). Second, actual notice must be provided “by the patent owner.” “The knowledge or understanding of the notice recipient” is irrelevant in considering actual notice, but that does not mean that the practical understanding of the notice recipient should be ignored. Thus, the third rule is to educate the recipient of the notice letter. Fourth and finally, always maintain a professional and non-threatening tone.

Is infringement a magic word?

“Infringement” is not a magic word, but it is a highly charged one. And yet, as construed in various courts, reasonably specific offer to license a specific patent can be viewed as a demand to cease infringement.

Is a patent notice letter worth it?

The thinking that a patent notice letter is not worth the risk or the trouble should be challenged in each case. The advantages of pre-filing notice to the jury, the judge and the recipient should be measured, and the disadvantages of filing a lawsuit without a notice letter need to be taken considered in each case. Often, the factors will compel such a letter. The patent owner should take care to apprise the recipient of its patent rights, identifying specific claims and specific products to be licensed.

Why do lawyers write letters?

The reason for writing the letter is to let the lawyer know exactly what is needed. Simple language is the best. There is no need to try and impress him with big words. Using outdated phrases such as “in regards to” or “advise me” would be better simply put as “regarding” or “let me know”. Keep the letter short and to the point.

Why do you need a letter to an attorney?

A letter to an attorney can be the first step to getting the help that is needed. There are several reasons to ask a lawyer for help . A letter can ask for initial help with a variety of issues. Help may be needed to know what is happening with a pending case such as a child custody case or a car accident.

What is the body of a letter to a lawyer?

The body of the letter is the main reason for writing to the lawyer. If there are questions being asked, explain why they are being asked. If important information is being referenced make certain names, places, dates, and any other pertinent facts are included. This will ensure that the attorney knows exactly what is needed from him.

What is the format of a letter?

There are two formats for writing the letter. Since it is a business letter use either a full block format or a modified block format. The full block format is when all parts of the letter including the address begin on the left side of the page.

How to write a letter to an attorney?

To write a letter to your attorney, start by writing your address, and, if applicable, your email and cell number in the upper left corner of the page. Under this information, include the date and your attorney’s name and address. Finally, include your case number or your full name.

Where should my attorney's name be placed in a letter?

Your attorney's name and address should be placed on the left regardless of whether you are using full block or modified block format. If there is a paralegal that is working on your specific case, you may wish to write to include it in parenthesis next to the attorney's name.

What to do if your lawyer is not working?

If you are concerned your lawyer is not working on your case, write him a polite but firm letter explaining your concerns. If you feel more comfortable emailing or calling him, that would be fine as well. You are under no obligation to express your concerns in a formal letter.

Daniel Nathan Ballard

There are way too many facts in play that you have not, and cannot, disclose in a public forum that are necessary to consider before anyone can give you actionable information. There is really one threshold issue and two follow-on issues that must be resolved:...

Laurence S Donahue

Daniel before me provided quite a comprehensive answer, and in short, you probably need to have an attorney review what documentation / agreements you do have from your former employer. With that said, my advice is that if there is some form of agreement in place that is...

What does a patent lawyer do?

This type of attorney specializes in obtaining protection for your intellectual property (IP). He or she will examine the invention, guide inventors through the patent application, and actually obtain a patent on the invention.

How much do patent attorneys make?

Patent attorneys earn between about $212,735 and $291,628 annually according to June 2020 data from Salary.com. The median annual salary for this type of lawyer is $253,324. The variance is based on experience, specialty, physical location, and other factors.

How many hours do patent lawyers work?

Most patent lawyers work a regular 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday schedule, but overtime hours may be required .

Do lawyers know patent law?

In fact, most lawyers do not know about patent law. A successful business should always hire a lawyer who specializes in patent law, and they should avoid compromising quality by doing so. The main responsibility of patent lawyers is to execute the patent rights of the client.

Can a patent lawyer work in the same capacity as a patent lawyer?

Those who have the necessary professional qualifications and pass the exam, but do not obtain a diploma, can still work in the same capacity as patent lawyers.

Does law school help with patents?

Law school alone does not provide enough understanding of how to formulate a patent application. Just because a person has passed the bar does not mean that they know how to write a patent application. Patent lawyers work in the special field of intellectual property law and specialize in patents.

Do patent lawyers have experience?

Patent lawyers are certainly not plentiful. In fact, companies that choose to serve small businesses and individuals do not always offer the best service. Patent law firms often give them a junior patent lawyer with insufficient experience.

Why is it not a good idea to hire a lawyer to write a letter?

It just happens to be wrong. Here are three reasons it’s not a good idea to hire a lawyer to write a single letter. 1. Your Employer Knows This Game. Unless it a smaller or new employer, this is very likely not its first rodeo. This is particularly true if the company has a general counsel or an outside attorney.

What is the first letter of a contract?

The first letter is the opening salvo. Next, the company will respond, usually in writing, to your attorney. To solve the problem, the attorney you hired will probably need to call the opposing counsel back or perhaps write another letter. This process could go back and forth literally for months.

Is Arden a stick up artist?

Arden’s not a stick-up artist. The good news is, though, that she’s pretty reasonable. If you give me some settlement authority, maybe start with three months of severance to start, leaving a bit of gas in the tank for another round or so, I’m pretty sure we can get this done. President: Sounds good.

Do employment lawyers play ball?

Lawyers who practice employment law primarily see a lot of each other and so get a sense of how individual lawyers “play ball.”. If your attorney is willing to “just write a letter,” chances are that this is not the first time he or she has done so. That can mean bad news for you.

Can an employer pay an attorney to resolve a dispute?

In most circumstances, employers will be more than happy to pay their attorney to try to push you around —at least for a bit.

How to Write A Patent

  • If you want to know how to write a patent, know that the price of hiring a legal professional to draft patent software can push some inventors out of the market, so you can choose to do nothing or attempt to invest on your own to pursue your invention and desires. Inventors who are going to draft their very own patent application must understand that the ensuing patent can be …
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Drafting Your Claims

  • First, draft a declaration that describes the broadened terms of your invention, leaving out all pointless ideas. Second, draft another declaration that defines your invention more specifically and considers various possibilities. It doesn't matter that the claims are not written in a proper format, as the Patent Office will later require you to follow a specific format. In the preliminary s…
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Antecedent Basis

  • For example: 1. A shovel: An elongated object with a primary finish and a secondary finish, a shovel head, that is hooked up to the stated first finish of elongated object. In dependent claims, you construct a declaration that specifies the object. For instance: 1. The inventor declares an additional component comprising a grip around stated second finish of stated elongated object…
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Patent Application Guidelines and Tips

  • The sections of the patent that give the boundary of the patent protection are the claims sections. These claims will form your legal basis for what is covered by the patent. These limits and definitions let others know what intellectual property is being protected and what would be infringing on your rights. Since the claims are a vital part of defining your patents, it is often bes…
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Situation Where A Patent May Have No Value

  • Patents may hold no value if they are filed before the technology exists that can prove they are worth anything. Additionally, some patent investments are wasted. An inventor could spend thousands of dollars on a patent and within the first two years want to sue someone who has infringed. But in the case of a broad patent with many claims, there can be numerous holes in th…
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Important Characteristics of A Patent

  • The main criteria that are important when drafting your patent are that the claims are: 1. Complete 2. Supported 3. Precise Each claim must be its own sentence and should be clear enough that the reader does not have to speculate the claim. Signs that your claim may not be clear enough include having to add verbiage to clarify it such as: 1. Strong 2. Major part 3. Such as 4. When re…
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Structure

  • The structure of a claim sentence will include: 1. Introductory phase - This phrase will introduce the invention and at times the purpose of the invention. 2. The body of the claim - This is the legal description detailing the exact ideas that are being protected. 3. A link that joins the two - This section will discuss how the body and introductory phrases are linked. This section is important …
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Patent Applications

  • When completing a patent application, the application will include these primary sections. 1. Title 2. Priority Claim 3. Background 4. Summary 5. Brief Description of Drawing 6. Detailed Description 7. Claims 8. Abstract and Drawing While the patent application will be drafted in the order above, the claims section will often be the first drafted as it is the most important part of the invention …
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Tricks & Tips to Describe An Invention in A Patent Application

  • One of many issues that inventors face when trying to describe an invention is what the regulation refers to as “different embodiments of the invention,” or just “different embodiments.” The phrase “embodiment” in a patent software or issued patent refers to a couple of specific models of the invention. Many inventors do not notice that they have more than just one model of their inventi…
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Your Address, The Law Firm's Address and The Date

  • When you write a letter to a law firm, your name and address should be at the top of the page, on the right hand side. Underneath that, on the left hand side, write the date, the name of the law firm, and its address. If you know the name of the lawyer who is running the case, you could put their name above the law firm's name. Always include the date you are signing/sending the lette…
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Headings and References

  • Most letters from law firms will include their own reference number and a heading that names the parties and describes the matter. A law firm's reference number helps them identify who their client is and which lawyer in their firm is handling the case. When you write to a lawyer you should also note their reference number and heading. For example: CO might be the initials of the lawye…
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A Reference to Any Relevant Previous Letters

  • If you are replying to an earlier letter from the lawyer or law firm, you should say in the next line. For example: If you have written to the law firm previously and received no reply, you could instead refer to your last letter.
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What Your Response Is

  • If you are writing to a response to a letter from a lawyer, you will need to clearly tell the lawyer what your response is. You may want to: 1. reject a claim that you were negligent in a car accident 2. reject an offer of settlement 3. make an offer of settlement 4. ask for more information (further and better particulars) 5. respond to a request for further and better particulars. For example: W…
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What You Want The Other Side to Do

  • Before you finish the letter, you should make sure that you tell the lawyer for the other party what you want. You may want them to: 1. discontinue the case 2. pay your costs (if any) 3. give you more information 4. give you more time to file a defence. For example:
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Your Signature and Any Relevant Documents

  • When you have completed the letter, you can write "Yours faithfully", leave two or three spaces, write your name and then sign in between "Yours faithfully" and your name. If you are sending any documents, cheques or any other items, these are called 'enclosures'. You should describe what you are enclosing in the text of your letter (as in the example above). You should also add the let…
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