RESOURCES
FAQ
Patent FAQ
Is my invention patentable?
Patentability depends on several factors, including whether your invention is new, non-obvious, and useful. Our licensed patent attorneys can help evaluate your invention and discuss the best strategy during a consultation.
When should I file a patent application?
Generally, the earlier the better. Filing before public disclosure, sales, or marketing activities can help preserve your rights (particularly internationally) and strengthen your position.
What should I avoid doing before filing a patent?
Avoid publicly disclosing your invention, selling it, publishing details online, or sharing it without appropriate confidentiality protections before discussing your filing strategy with a patent attorney.
Can I file a patent if I already launched my product?
Possibly. Depending on when and how the product was disclosed, you may still have options. We recommend speaking with an attorney as soon as possible to evaluate any deadlines that may apply.
What happens if the USPTO rejects my application?
Patent applications often receive initial rejections. In many cases, these can be addressed through legal arguments, claim amendments, or continued prosecution with the USPTO.
Software & AI FAQs
Can AI-generated inventions be patented?
Current U.S. patent laws generally require human inventorship. However, AI-assisted inventions may still qualify for patent protection depending on the role of the human inventor and the nature of the invention. Our licensed patent attorneys have experience evaluating inventions and can discuss the best strategy during a consultation.
What parts of a software platform can be patented?
Certain software innovations, technical solutions, system architectures, and computer-implemented processes may be eligible for patent protection. Eligibility depends on the specific technology and implementation. A patent attorney can give you guidance on which aspects are worth protecting.
Should I patent my technology or protect it as a trade secret?
The best approach depends on your business goals, competitive landscape, and whether the technology can be kept confidential. We can help determine the most appropriate protection strategy.
Working With AEON Law
How do I prepare for my first consultation?
Be prepared to discuss your invention, business goals, development timeline, and any prior public disclosures, sales, or publications related to the invention.
What information should I bring to evaluate my invention?
Any descriptions, drawings, prototypes, presentations, technical documentation, or related materials can help us better understand and evaluate your invention.
What happens after I hire AEON Law?
We will develop a strategy tailored to your goals, gather the necessary information, prepare the required filings, and guide you through each step of the process.
Trust & Experience
Do you work with first-time inventors?
Yes. We regularly work with entrepreneurs, startups, and first-time inventors, helping them navigate the patent process from concept to protection.
Can you help if another attorney already filed my application?
Yes. We can review your existing application, assess its status, and discuss available options moving forward.
General FAQs
Do you serve clients outside Seattle?
Yes. Our patent attorneys are licensed to practice patent law in all fifty states as well as a variety of states. We can help you with U.S. patent matters no matter where you are located. For non-patent matters, one of our IP attorneys can check if we can assist you.
Do you serve clients outside the U.S.?
Yes. We help international companies and law firms file for IP protection in the United States. Our firm’s international IP coordinator helps clients understand and streamline the filing process, communicating with you at every step. In addition, our attorneys are fluent or conversant in several languages and have been educated internationally. We understand international business needs as well as how to help brands thrive in the U.S.
What is your experience with large corporate portfolios?
Our attorneys have built some of the largest IP portfolios in the world. We have registered thousands of patents and built brands in industries including software, mechanical devices, consumer products, cyber technologies, and more.
What kind of IP protection does my company need?
Depending on your business, most of our clients need a combination of IP registration and other safeguards. In short, utility patents protect new and novel ideas, design patents protect original product configuration, copyrights protect creative works, and trademarks protect brands.
How long does registration take?
Patent applications often receive initial rejections. In many cases, these can be addressed through legal arguments, claim amendments, or continued prosecution with the USPTO.
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