U.S. Patent Applications for Businesses and Individuals
Have you developed a technical invention and would like to focus your patent protection on the U.S. from the very beginning?
Pearl Cohen assists you in preparing and filing your initial U.S. patent application. We discuss your invention with you, prepare the application documents for the U.S., and handle the necessary formalities as well as represent you before the USPTO.
Your German-speaking contact is based in Munich. You can retain our services directly or through your German patent law firm.
Can I file my invention for the first time directly in the U.S.?
A prior German or European patent application is not a general requirement for filing a U.S. patent application. Companies and individuals can generally file their invention for the first time in the United States. Before filing, any requirements for foreign filing in the respective country of origin must be reviewed. Pearl Cohen assists with the preparation and handles the necessary representation before the USPTO. [1][2]
A good patent application begins with an understanding of your invention. What technical problem does it solve? What features distinguish it from existing solutions? What variations and further developments should be taken into account?
We will work through these points with you. In doing so, we will take into account how you intend to use the technology and the significance of the U.S. market for your company or your project.
You don't need to describe your invention in formal patent language right away. Technical documents, drawings, and a discussion with us serve as the starting point for drafting the patent application.
We will review your documents and assess the stage of development, known publications, and the planned timeline. Together, we will determine which filing route is best suited to your project.
Even if protection outside the U.S. is planned, we take this into account from the very first filing.
Discuss your technology and your goals with our Munich office. We'll explain the possible application process, the required documents, and the cost estimate.
We prepare the English-language description and—depending on the type of application—the patent claims as well as any other required documents. We will coordinate with you regarding any necessary drawings.
Technical coordination will be conducted in German. Before submission, we will explain the key points to you and obtain your approval.
We verify the information regarding applicants and inventors and prepare the necessary forms and declarations. We also address questions regarding the allocation of rights and possible fee reductions, to the extent that they are relevant to the application.
Our USPTO-registered patent attorneys handle the filing and all subsequent procedural correspondence.
For a standard U.S. trademark application, we assist with the subsequent examination process. We explain examination notices, recommend appropriate responses, and discuss the implications of any potential changes.
If your strategy begins with a provisional application, we will work with you to plan the necessary next steps well in advance.
You can engage Pearl Cohen immediately and discuss all technical, organizational, and financial matters directly with our Munich team.
If you are already represented by a German patent law firm, we would be happy to work with them. We will coordinate the division of responsibilities and communication in a way that fits with your existing representation.
Before we begin the project, we'll discuss what services you need and what your budget is.
We distinguish between the preparation of the application, its filing, official fees, and any additional services. We also explain the subsequent costs of the examination process, to the extent that they can be estimated at this time.
The additional costs will depend on the USPTO's review. We will keep you informed about upcoming decisions and their estimated costs. This will allow you to manage your investment in patent protection on a step-by-step basis.
An initial application requires an open discussion about your technology. That is why we place a high value on personalized support, easy-to-understand explanations, and clear agreements.
Your contact person in Munich will guide you through the process in German. You’ll know who to turn to and what the next step is.
Partner · STEM Practice Group
Your contact in Munich
Partner · STEM Practice Group
Your contact in Munich
Discuss your technology and your goals with our Munich office. We'll explain the possible application process, the required documents, and the cost estimate.
You can retain our services directly or through your German patent law firm.
Yes. We support both companies and individual inventors. Together, we determine who should be listed as the applicant and what documents are required.
A provisional application can secure an early filing date for sufficiently disclosed subject matter. It is not examined for patentability on its merits and does not, by itself, lead to the grant of a patent. In order to claim its filing date, a suitable continuation application must generally be filed within twelve months.
A nonprovisional application is a standard application that can go through the U.S. examination process. Which option makes sense depends on your situation. [3]
Not necessarily. Even a provisional application must adequately disclose the invention so that subsequent claims can effectively claim priority from its filing date. The quality of the technical description is therefore essential. [3]
There is no general requirement to do so for every invention. However, specific regulations may restrict the filing of an international application. In Germany, for example, Section 52 of the Patent Act (PatG) applies to applications that contain a state secret. Different requirements may apply in other countries of origin. [2]
The effort required to prepare and submit the application can be estimated in advance. However, the course of the official review and the subsequent grant of the patent cannot be determined at the outset. We offer you transparent planning of the individual services and procedural steps.
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