Patent Searching

The applicant for a patent is required to furnish a set of patent drawings of a new invention. This is true for objects of manufacture as well as processes and plants. The drawings must show every feature of the invention specified in the claims. The patent drawings are required to be in a special form. Patent illustrations are printed and published in a uniform style in the official record. The drawings must be such that they can be readily understood by persons using the patent descriptions. Find out what you need to know about patent drawings and the requirements.

Simply said, a Design Patent protects the way an article looks.(35 U.S.C. 171)

A Design Patent is issued for a new, original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacture. A design consists of the visual ornamental characteristics embodied in, or applied to, an article of manufacture. Since a design is manifested in appearance, the subject matter of a design patent application may relate to the configuration or shape of an article, to the surface ornamentation applied to an article, or to the combination of configuration and surface ornamentation. Find out more facts about design patents.

In general terms, a Utility Patent protects the way an article is used and works.(35 U.S.C.101)

A Utility Patent is issued for the invention of a new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or a new and useful improvement thereof, it generally permits its owner to exclude others from making, using, or selling the invention for a period of up to twenty years from the date of patent application filing, subject to the payment of maintenance fees. Find out more facts about utility patents.

A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services. Although federal registration of a mark is not mandatory, it has several advantages, including notice to the public of the registrant's claim of ownership of the mark, legal presumption of ownership nationwide, and exclusive right to use the mark on or in connection with the goods/services listed in the registration. Find out why you should choose your trademark wisely.

A copyright is a form of protection grounded in the United States Constitution and granted by law for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Copyright covers both published and unpublished works. Copyright is a form of intellectual property law, protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture. Find out more about copyright.

Product development and management is the total process that takes a service or a product from conception to market. New products and services are meant to fill a consumer demand or an opportunity in the marketplace. The steps in product development include drafting the concept, creating the design, developing the product or service, and defining the manufacturing and marketing. Magellan Global™ LLC has hands on experience navigating the product development and management life cycle. This is a value plus added service to our intellectual property experience.