A patent grants an inventor the right to exclude others from making, using or selling the patented invention within the country in which the patent is granted for a prescribed period of time. Some inventions, methods and other commercially valuable information are not patentable, but may, if handled properly, constitute trade secrets which are entitled to certain protections under the law.
Patent law is a particular area of the law which requires extensive and detailed knowledge of the underlying scientific discipline on which the patentable matter is based. The broad scientific and technical backgrounds of our patent lawyers enable them to give legal advice in a wide range of technologies. Our patent lawyers prepare and prosecute patent applications in the areas of biomedical devices, biotechnology, chemistry, mechanical inventions, computer arts, textiles, agricultural chemicals, electro-chemistry, and polymer technology, as well as in such emerging areas as "business methods."
We provide counseling and representation in the following aspects of patent law –
- Preparing and filing patent applications;
- Prosecuting patents both in the United States and internationally;
- Advising as to the alternative methods of protecting patentable, commercially valuable information;
- Performing a due diligence validity review of pending or issued patents;
- Preparing infringement and clearance opinions with regard to patents;
- Drafting, negotiating and advising with regard to patent licensing; and
- Litigating issues of ownership, licensing, validity and infringement of patents.
© 2010 Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP