Laurie A. Schlichter PLLC
Call Today: 713-766-6034
Laurie A. Schlichter PLLC
Call Today: 713-766-6034

Patent Protection Starts Here

  1. Home
    2.  » Patent Prosecution

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Patent Prosecution: Acquiring A Patent For Your Invention

It is easy to confuse the terms “patent prosecution” and “patent litigation.” Patent prosecution is the process of negotiating with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to secure a patent. Patent litigation refers to legal proceedings that address infringement of a patent that has already issued.

Patent prosecution is difficult. Convincing the USPTO that your invention is worthy of a patent is not easy. You need the services of a patent attorney experienced in patent prosecution. For a decade, I have helped inventors prosecute their patent applications. As a result, I have gained considerable insight into the workings of the USPTO. Let that insight work to your advantage.

Experienced Advocate For Patent Protection

My law firm, Laurie A. Schlichter, PLLC, is dedicated to securing patent protection for the inventions created by my clients. I have prosecuted dozens of patent applications in technical fields as diverse as chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer hardware, and computer software.

Patent prosecution is an interactive process aimed at convincing a Patent Examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that your invention merits patent protection. I have considerable experience in the give-and-take that characterizes patent prosecution:

  • After I submit a nonprovisional patent application to the USPTO, a Patent Examiner reviews the application to determine if the disclosed invention satisfies the requirements for obtaining a patent.
  • The Patent Examiner issues an Office Action in which he or she argues that the invention is not suitable for patenting.
  • I prepare a response to the Office Action that refutes the Patent Examiner’s arguments by explaining why the invention is deserving of patent protection.
  • The Patent Examiner considers the response and either grants a patent or issues another Office Action.
  • If the second Office Action is “final,” I amend the patent application and request continued examination or I prepare an appeal brief and submit it to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.

I will assist you throughout the process of patent prosecution. My legal knowledge and technical proficiency make me a formidable advocate for your patent rights.

Persuading The Patent Examiner

For ten years, I have convinced Patent Examiners that my clients have created inventions worthy of patent protection. Let me persuade a Patent Examiner that a patent should issue for your invention. Take the first step toward protecting the product of your intellectual efforts by calling my Houston office at 713-766-6034 or by sending me an email. The initial consultation is free.

United States Patent and Trademark Office