Patents
Vedder Price’s Intellectual Property Group provides its clients with a complete range of patent services. Our patent attorneys routinely provide clients with opinions on the patentability of new developments as well as opinions on validity and infringement of existing patents for new product development.
Our intellectual property attorneys are experienced in the prosecution of patent applications at all levels in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, including before the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences ("BPAI") and the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Many of our attorneys are former practicing engineers, giving them the capability to team up and work closely with our clients’ technologists for minimal impact on inventor schedules. Our attorneys have also conducted interference proceedings before the BPAI.
When circumstances dictate the filing of domestic patent applications and foreign counterpart patent applications, the firm prepares and files such applications with the appropriate national patent office. The firm files international patent applications for its clients under the Patent Cooperation Treaty ("PCT") and also handles national patent applications filed in foreign countries based upon such PCT patent applications. In order to facilitate foreign practice for its clients, Vedder Price utilizes an established network of associated law firms in numerous foreign countries.
Vedder Price’s patent attorneys handle the licensing of patent and trade secret assets in the U.S. and foreign countries and have substantial experience in transferring, securing and valuing patent assets in connection with mergers, acquisitions and related transactions.
Business Method Patents
A continuing trend in intellectual property is the increase in the number of companies seeking patent protection for so-called "business methods." A wide variety of technologies, from one-click on-line shopping methods to techniques for operating hedge funds, have fallen within the rubric of business method patents. Given recent coverage by the media, business method patents have become a hot issue for many companies seeking to protect specific processes. The experienced attorneys at Vedder Price recognize that business method patents, like all such assets, are properties that must be developed carefully and always with an eye on the overall business goals of the client. We have significant experience advising clients on the intricacies of business method patents and are prepared to advise you on the best way to protect such assets.
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