US Patent Subsequent Filings with a Direct Point of Contact in Munich
You have already filed a patent application for your invention—for example, with the German Patent and Trademark Office or the European Patent Office. Now you would like to obtain patent protection in the U.S. market as well.
Pearl Cohen assists companies and individuals with this next step. We review the existing documents, prepare the U.S. subsequent application, and represent you before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Your direct contact person is based in our Munich office. You will discuss technical questions, the next steps, and costs with us in German.
Does a German or European patent application also protect my invention in the U.S.?
A German or European patent application does not, in and of itself, provide patent protection in the U.S. A separate U.S. procedure is required for this. Depending on your specific circumstances, you may consider filing a direct U.S. application claiming priority or entering the U.S. national phase of a PCT application. Pearl Cohen will guide you in selecting and implementing the appropriate approach. [1][2]
When filing a follow-on application in the U.S., several practical questions arise: What is the filing deadline? Can the existing documents be used? What changes should be made? And who will handle communication with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office?
We will discuss these matters with you and coordinate the necessary steps. You can retain our services immediately. If a patent law firm is already handling your German or European application, we will coordinate our efforts with them upon request.
We review your initial application, the priority data, and any PCT documents that may be available. Based on this information, we determine the appropriate path forward for the U.S. and the deadlines that must be met.
For technical inventions, the standard priority period is generally twelve months from the date of the relevant first filing. If a PCT application is filed on time, the deadline for entering the U.S. national phase is generally 30 months from the priority date. We will review the specific documents to determine which deadline applies to your case. [1][2]
Please contact our Munich office. We will discuss with you the appropriate application process, the required documents, and the cost estimate.
We review the description, claims, and drawings from the perspective of U.S. patent practice. We prepare the required English-language versions and formal documents, or coordinate their preparation.
In doing so, we take into account that amendments and additions may affect the priority protection claimed.
Our USPTO-registered patent attorneys file the application and handle all procedural correspondence. We take care of the necessary formalities and explain what information, signatures, or decisions we need from you.
Our support continues after you submit your application. We explain the audit findings, evaluate the auditor’s objections, and coordinate the response strategy with you.
You will receive clear recommendations regarding the potential scope of coverage and the next steps.
You can reach your contact person in Germany and discuss your questions during German business hours. Coordination takes place in German; we will handle any necessary communication with the USPTO in English.
For us, a trusting partnership means that you understand the status of your application and can make decisions based on clear information.
Before accepting an assignment, we discuss the scope of services and the estimated costs. We distinguish between our fees, official fees, and any necessary translations or other third-party services.
We also factor the potential costs of the subsequent audit process into our planning. We explain any additional measures, including their purpose and the expected effort involved. This helps you keep track of your budget.
Partner · STEM Practice Group
Your contact in Munich
Partner · STEM Practice Group
Your contact in Munich
Please contact our Munich office. We will discuss with you the appropriate application process, the required documents, and the cost estimate.
Your direct contact person is based in our Munich office. You will discuss technical questions, the next steps, and costs with us in German.
No. The U.S. divisional application can be filed based on the earlier application. The key factors are, in particular, the priority requirements and deadlines—not the earlier grant.
Yes. We work directly with companies and individuals. We can also work with you through your current patent law firm.
We review this on a case-by-case basis. A literal translation alone does not always take into account the specific characteristics of U.S. practice. We will discuss appropriate adjustments with you.
It is helpful to provide the application number, the filing date, the complete application documents, and, if applicable, PCT documents. Please also let us know about any known deadlines and the current status of the proceedings.
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