You've got a brilliant invention and you're eager to visit an intellectual property practice to patent your idea. You're prepared to discuss your invention with a patent solicitor, but you're unsure of their role. Here's what your patent solicitor can do for you when it comes to getting your idea patented.
Consulting
During your meeting with a patent solicitor at an intellectual property practice, it's their job to determine whether your invention is worth a patent. A skilled patent solicitor will explain the necessary qualifications. There are four main requirements: it must be a process, machine, material, product, or an improvement on a previous invention; it needs to serve a purpose; it must be novel and new.
Preparation
Patent solicitors are trained in a specialised area of law. They undergo rigorous training to become a solicitor in their field, and laws are continuously changing. Your patent solicitor simply knows the ins and outs of patent law that other solicitors don't.
As such, they can help you document your invention and prepare you for filing the patent application. They'll also assist you in obtaining the patent and registering it if the application is accepted.
Representation
Once your invention is approved by the patent solicitor, they'll act as your legal representation during the application process. Moreover, they can serve as litigators if your rights aren't being protected in the patent.
You can always complete the patent application yourself, but you may not have all your rights protected without the support of a patent solicitor.
Your patent solicitor will also manage any necessary cancellations and help you with any third-party disputes against your patent.
Remember, not everything can be patented. Your patent solicitor will determine if your invention meets the sufficient level of qualifications, though most new inventions can receive a provisional patent application. When you're searching for the best patent solicitor, be sure to know the essential questions to ask when hiring one to get your idea patented.