A patent gives you the exclusive right to make, use, or sell your invention, and it can help protect your work from competitors in the United States and abroad. If you are developing a new product, technology, or design, patent protection can help preserve your competitive position and strengthen the value of your business. At the Kumar Law Firm PLLC, our licensed patent practitioner, Sanjeev Kumar, represents Austin inventors, entrepreneurs, and companies who want to secure strong patent rights, avoid filing mistakes, and pursue protection that supports long-term growth.
Why Choose the Kumar Law Firm?
We deliver patent services grounded in legal insight and technical training. As an Austin patent lawyer, Sanjeev Kumar helps clients protect their innovations with clear guidance and reliable support. Clients work with us because we offer:
- Guidance shaped by advanced engineering education and hands-on patent experience
- Support with claim drafting that reduces the risk of easy workarounds
- Analysis of how different patent options apply to your invention
- Support developing a patent portfolio that aligns with your long-term business goals
- Strategic planning for U.S. and international filing decisions
- Advocacy during USPTO examinations, including responses to Office Actions
- Communication that keeps you informed at every stage of the process
What Does a Patent Protect?
A patent grants you exclusive rights to your invention for a defined period. During the patent term, no one can make, use, sell, or import the invention without permission. These rights create legal and commercial advantages, such as:
- Preventing competitors from copying your work
- Increasing the value of your company during investment or acquisition discussions
- Allowing you to license your invention to multiple parties
- Providing an opportunity to sell the patent outright
These protections encourage innovation and give inventors a foundation for business expansion.
Types of Patents Inventors Commonly Pursue
Different inventions require different forms of protection. The three primary patent categories include:
Utility Patents
Utility patents apply to new and useful processes, machines, articles of manufacture, or improvements to existing technology. They typically provide the broadest protection and generally last twenty years from the earliest non-provisional filing date.
Design Patents
Design patents protect new and original ornamental designs for manufactured products. These rights last fifteen years from issuance and focus on appearance rather than function.
Plant Patents
Plant patents apply to new and distinct plant varieties reproduced asexually. They protect the inventor’s right to control propagation and commercial sale.
How the First-to-File System Affects Your Strategy
Since the America Invents Act, the United States has awarded patent rights to the first qualified inventor who files an application. This structure emphasizes the importance of filing early and carefully. Delays increase the risk of losing protection to a faster-filing competitor. At the same time, early publication may give others insight into your technology.
We help clients assess the trade-offs, craft balanced claims, and prepare applications that protect their inventions and withstand challenges from competitors.
Understanding the Patent Application Process
Securing a patent involves several steps that must be completed accurately and on time. We guide clients through the full process, which generally includes:
1. Patent Search and Evaluation
Before filing, we can review existing patents and publications to assess whether your invention is new and non-obvious. This may help reduce wasted effort on applications unlikely to succeed.
2. Deciding Where to File
You may file only in the United States or pursue international protection under treaties such as the PCT. We can help you weigh costs, markets, and long-term goals before deciding.
3. Choosing Between Provisional and Non-Provisional Applications
A provisional filing offers a lower-cost starting point and secures an early filing date for one year. A non-provisional filing begins formal examination by the USPTO. We can advise which option best supports your development timeline.
4. Drafting and Filing the Application
Strong claim drafting is critical. We can work with you to define your invention clearly while limiting competitors’ ability to design around it.
5. USPTO Examination
USPTO examiners review your application and may issue rejections or request amendments. We prepare responses, refine claims, and advocate for approval.
Throughout the process, we focus on efficiency, clarity, and long-term value.
How Our Background Benefits Your Patent Filing
Attorney Sanjeev Kumar holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering and has himself been an inventor on an issued patent. This technical knowledge can help support informed claim drafting and improve communication with inventors working in complex fields. As a Texas patent lawyer, Sanjeev understands both the scientific and legal considerations that influence patent protection, and can help clients build a filing strategy suited to their goals.
Contact Our Austin Patent Attorney Today
Patent protection can strengthen your business strategy and safeguard your creative work. We help inventors, start-ups, and established companies secure rights that support innovation and long-term growth. Contact the Kumar Law Firm PLLC to discuss your invention and learn how we can assist with the full patent process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to obtain a patent?
Most utility patent applications take one to three years to complete USPTO examination, depending on technical complexity and examiner workload.
Can I sell my invention before filing a patent application?
Selling or publicly disclosing an invention before filing can limit your rights. The United States provides a one-year grace period, but many other countries do not, so early filing is usually preferable.
Do I need a prototype before filing?
A prototype is not required. Your application must describe the invention in enough detail for someone skilled in the field to understand and reproduce it.
What happens if the USPTO rejects my claims?
You can respond with amendments, arguments, or additional evidence. Many applications receive at least one Office Action, but rejections may be overcome.