How long does it take to obtain a patent?

The process of obtaining a patent in Louisiana can take anywhere from one to three years. The amount of time taken depends on the complexity of the invention and the amount of research and development that is necessary. The first step in the process is to decide if an invention is eligible to be patented. Only patents where an invention has a novel and non-obvious quality can be patented. To determine if an invention meets this criteria, carefully compiled research and explanation must be presented to a patent attorney. Once an invention is deemed to be patentable, a detailed patent application must be filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This application is composed of a description of the invention, diagrams of the invention, drawings of the invention, and claims related to the invention. Once the application is filed, it typically takes 12-18 months for an examiner to review the application and make a decision. If the examiner approves the application, a patent is issued. If the examiner rejects the application, it can take an additional 12-18 months for the rejection to be appealed. During this appeal process, communication with the examiner may be necessary due to the complexity of the appeal and paperwork involved. Receiving a patent involves a significant amount of time and research. While individual cases can vary, the process of obtaining a patent typically takes one to three years.

Related FAQs

What is a license?
What rights do I have to my intellectual property?
How do I determine if I have a valid copyright or patent?
How do I register a domain name?
What rights does a patent owner have?
Are there any requirements for obtaining a copyright?
What is the difference between a patent and a trade mark?
What are the different types of patents?
What are the benefits of registering a trademark?
What is a copyright registration?

How long does it take to obtain a patent?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts