Patent Attorney in Chicago — Patent Protection & Strategy
Patents protect inventions and provide a competitive advantage by granting exclusive rights to make, use, and sell patented technology. At Liberum Law, our patent attorneys in Chicago provide strategic patent counsel including patentability assessment, prosecution coordination, freedom-to-operate analysis, and patent portfolio management.
Our patent practice includes patentability assessment and prior art analysis, patent prosecution coordination with registered patent agents and attorneys, provisional and non-provisional patent application strategy, patent portfolio development and management, freedom-to-operate and infringement risk analysis, patent licensing and monetization, patent due diligence for M&A transactions, and design patent protection for ornamental designs.
We work closely with inventors, startups, and established companies to develop patent strategies that align with business objectives. Whether you need to protect a single invention or build a comprehensive patent portfolio, our attorneys provide the strategic guidance you need.
Contact our patent attorneys at Liberum Law for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can be patented?
U.S. patent law protects new, useful, and non-obvious inventions in three categories: utility patents (processes, machines, articles of manufacture, compositions of matter), design patents (ornamental designs of functional items), and plant patents (asexually reproduced plant varieties). Abstract ideas, laws of nature, and naturally occurring phenomena cannot be patented.
How long does a patent last?
Utility and plant patents last 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees paid at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years after grant. Design patents last 15 years from grant (no maintenance fees). After expiration, the invention enters the public domain.
How much does it cost to get a patent?
Every case has its own specifics. Our experienced attorney will evaluate your case and provide a detailed quote. Contact us today for a detailed case evaluation.
What's the difference between a utility and design patent?
A utility patent protects how an invention functions — its mechanics, process, or composition. A design patent protects how it looks — the ornamental appearance. Many products benefit from both (e.g., a uniquely shaped phone with novel internal technology). Utility patents are harder to obtain but generally broader in protection.
Do I need a patent search before filing?
Strongly recommended. A prior-art search reveals existing patents and publications that may bar your application or narrow your claims. The USPTO will conduct its own search, but doing one upfront lets you decide whether to invest in the full application, draft stronger claims, or design around blocking patents. Liberum Law conducts patentability searches as a stand-alone service.
