A utility patent protects the functionality of an invention consisting of a process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter. It gives the owner the right to exclude others from making, using, or selling a product that practices the claimed invention.
A design patent protects the ornamental configuration and/or surface decoration of an article of manufacture. It gives the owner the right to exclude others from making, using, or selling a product so resembling the patented design that an ordinary observer might be deceived in purchasing the infringing article.
McHale | Slavin has extensive experience in all areas of utility and design patent prosecution & counseling, addressing matters before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and other patent offices throughout the world. Our firm handles patentability assessments, preparation of all types of patent applications, inventorship determinations, post-grant proceedings, licensing & assignments, and IP due diligence. We work with our clients to develop prosecution strategies best suited to the client’s needs, potentially including a worldwide patent strategy.
Our firm’s experience in intellectual property law, combined with our knowledge of technical subject matter, enables us to develop successful prosecution strategies for both domestic and foreign patent applications. Our depth and breadth of technical background enables quick and correct grasping of complex legal and technological issues without burdening our clients with getting us up to speed.