XiaoQian Zhao v. The P'ships, et al. 1:23-cv-04507 (NDIL)

Protecting Your Innovations In The U.S.: A Guide For Foreign Rightsholders

Are you a foreign creator with a brilliant idea you want to protect in America? Unfortunately, the U.S. patent and trademark system can be complex.

Our Chicago, Illinois, patent and trademark attorneys help global brands and businesses manage intellectual property (IP) matters. With AU LLC, you get decades of experience plus a robust international network, equaling seamless global solutions.

Patents VS. Trademarks: Understanding The Distinction

Patents grant exclusive rights for a limited time to inventors. They protect new and useful processes, machines and compositions of matter, or improvements thereof.

By contrast, trademarks protect distinctive brand identifiers, such as names, logos or slogans that distinguish a company’s goods or services from others. In other words, they safeguard brand identity.

What Does Filing For U.S. IP Protection Entail?

The U.S. Patent And Trademark Office (USPTO) is the sole federal agency responsible for granting patents and registering trademarks in the United States.

Once you have identified the IP protection you need, you must follow the documentation directions outlined on the USPTO website. Often, this involves providing detailed descriptions and drawings for patents or samples of trademarks and their usage. Considering the complexities that can arise, consulting a patent filing attorney experienced with international clients is highly recommended.

Although copyright protection arises automatically from the act of creation, registering with the U.S. Copyright Office offers several advantages, including establishing a public record and facilitating enforcement actions.

What Does It Cost?

The USPTO fee schedule controls the basic application costs, and the U.S. Copyright Office fee schedule establishes the costs for registration and recording of documents. However, there are generally additional costs that run into the thousands for research, the completion of the application, revisions and more. An attorney can help your applications succeed the first time around, preventing additional expenses.

Take The First Step: Call Us

Call 312-900-9426 to speak with a patent and trademark filing attorney today to discuss your goals. With guidance from our experienced lawyers, you can navigate the global intellectual property landscape confidently.