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Philadelphia Software Patent Attorney

Protection Of Software From Infringement

The software patent attorneys at Paul & Paul have decades of experience in the area of intellectual property law. This is critical for those in the computer software industry. Infringement can set back development and sales by companies of all sizes.

From software development to software applications through to patent litigation, the software patent attorneys at Paul & Paul are uniquely qualified to provide legal services. Our patent attorneys not only have extensive legal experience in the patent process, but they also have backgrounds in software innovation, computer networks, technology, and many other diverse fields. This knowledge enables them to counsel inventors and clients on a new invention and how to protect that idea and their trade secrets so their business goals can be met through the sometimes time-consuming process of patent protection.

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Our Software Patent Services

The software patent attorneys at Paul & Paul can help individuals and software developers protect their software-related inventions, software ideas, and intellectual property in a number of ways including:

Patent Search: Our attorneys can perform patentability searches to determine whether a software invention is eligible for patent protection.
Patent Drafting: Our attorneys can assist with drafting software patent applications that meet the specific requirements of the patent office, including detailed descriptions of the software invention and its functionality.
Patent Prosecution: Our attorneys can represent clients throughout the patent application process, including responding to office actions and communicating with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Patent Litigation: Our attorneys can represent clients in patent infringement litigation, including filing lawsuits against infringers and defending patent rights against infringement claims.
Patent Licensing: Our attorneys can help clients negotiate licensing agreements for their software patents, allowing them to monetize their intellectual property.
Intellectual Property Portfolio Management: Our attorneys can help clients manage their software patent portfolios, including identifying potential infringement and taking steps to protect their intellectual property rights.

In addition to these patenting services, our software patent attorneys can also counsel clients on other legal issues related to software product development and innovation, such as copyright law, trade secrets, and data privacy.

Whether you are an individual inventor or a large company, working with an experienced intellectual property attorney can help you protect your valuable intellectual property and ensure that you are taking full advantage of the opportunities available in the software industry.

What Types Of Software Technology Can Be Patented?

In general, software can be patented if it meets the criteria for patentability, which includes being novel, non-obvious, and useful. However, the patentability of software varies depending on the specific jurisdiction and the nature of the software invention.

In the United States, the USPTO has specific guidelines for patenting software-related inventions. The guidelines state that software can be patented if it meets the following requirements:

It is tied to a machine or apparatus, or it transforms an article into a different state or thing.
It produces a useful, concrete, and tangible result.

Under these guidelines, software that is purely abstract or theoretical in nature may not be patentable. However, software that involves a specific technical implementation or solves a specific technical problem may be eligible for patent protection. Examples of software that have been successfully patented in the US include:

Search engine algorithms
Video game graphics and interfaces
Business methods implemented using software
Encryption and data security methods
Mobile application functionality

It’s worth noting that the laws and regulations around software patents are constantly evolving, and the patentability of specific software inventions can be complex and difficult to determine. Therefore, it’s important to work with a knowledgeable software patent attorney to evaluate the patentability of your specific software invention and to navigate the patent application process.

While the rules and guidelines for patenting software inventions can be complex, some general categories of software technology that may be eligible for patent protection include:

Software Applications: Specific software applications, such as mobile apps or desktop software, may be eligible for patent protection if they involve a novel and non-obvious technical implementation.
Algorithms: Software algorithms, such as search engine algorithms or data analysis algorithms, may be patentable if they solve a specific technical problem in a novel and non-obvious way.
Business Methods: Software-based business methods, such as online marketplaces or payment processing systems, may be eligible for patent protection if they involve a technical implementation that produces a useful and tangible result.
User Interfaces: User interfaces, such as graphical user interfaces (GUIs) or voice-activated interfaces, may be patentable if they involve a unique and non-obvious technical implementation that improves the user experience.
Data Processing Methods: Software-based data processing methods, such as compression algorithms or data encryption methods, may be eligible for patent protection if they involve a novel and non-obvious technical implementation.

At Paul & Paul, our software patent attorneys stay current on the latest developments in the software industry and software patent law and work closely with clients to evaluate the patentability of their specific software patents. As new technology emerges, such as artificial intelligence, and medical devices, the software patent attorneys in our law firm stay informed of how new software can be protected by patents.

How Long Does It Take To Get Software Patents?

The time it takes to obtain a software patent in Pennsylvania can vary depending on several factors. Some key points to consider include:

Filing the patent application: The first step is to file a patent application with the USPTO. After filing, the application will undergo an initial review to ensure that it meets the basic requirements for patentability.
Assigning a patent examiner: If the application meets the requirements, it will be assigned to a patent examiner, who will review the application in detail and may issue one or more office actions requesting additional information or clarification.
Responding to office actions: The time it takes to receive a final decision on a software patent application can depend on how many office actions are issued and how long it takes to respond to them.
Patent examination backlog: The USPTO has a backlog of patent applications, which can delay the examination process for some applications. Our practice and lawyers are aware of this and strive to secure your patent rights from the patent examiners as quickly as possible.
Average timeline: On average, it takes about 24 to 36 months for software patent applications to be examined and either approved or rejected.

It’s important to note that the time it takes to obtain a software patent can be impacted by factors such as the complexity of the invention, the quality of the patent application, and the level of communication between the applicant and the USPTO.

At Paul & Paul, your patent attorney will work closely with clients to navigate the patent application process and help them understand the potential timelines and costs associated with obtaining a software patent.

The Software Patent Attorneys At Paul & Paul

Our patent lawyers have decades of experience in patent law. We counsel clients from individuals to large corporations from idea through development to application and ultimately obtaining a patent. Our practice and attorneys have dedicated themselves to ensuring you have the protection of a patent so you can focus on growing your company.

What Our Clients Say

Eric Tuch

01:09 26 Jun 20

From the moment I made contact, I was met with professionalism and legal expertise. Alex exceeded my expectations and continues to guide me as I need assistance. I am extremely grateful for his detail in preparing my application, as I was overwhelmed with excitement while reviewing the final draft. If you are seeking intellectual property protection, Paul and Paul provides exceptional service to help you move in the right direction.

Barry Ruder

19:14 16 Sep 19

Fantastic service, appreciate how they follow up to make sure I do not miss deadlines

Blue Bell Equine Assisted Therapy

20:56 16 Jul 19

Ginny Blair

02:57 31 May 19

Sherrill Mosee

21:29 06 Mar 19

Paul and Paul is a great firm to work with, especially if you’re an entrepreneur. I’ve been working with the firm since 2013 and have two patents to show. What I love most about Paul and Paul is that they are a boutique firm. The level of attention I get from my attorney, Mr. Sluzas, is likely not found at a larger firm. My questions and concerns are typically answered within hours of my request, if not sooner. If you’re looking for a firm that is experienced, respected and responsive to your needs, I suggest Paul and Paul.

Michael Atchison

00:35 16 Jan 19

Paul & Paul have done great work for our scientific education company for nearly a decade. They successfully submitted our patent application, which was awarded, and have negotiated several business contracts. Their advice is always outstanding, and they are efficient. Their work is excellent and we’ve been very satisfied and impressed.

Raj Rajasekaran

23:42 10 Mar 18

I have been working with Paul and Paul for the past 4 years. The attorneys here are very capable and accomplish the goals of the project strategically. They are very considerate and supportive of the financial situation of the client. I enjoy working with Alex Sluzas from Paul and Paul and so far my experience has been fabulous. I will strongly recommend Alex Sluzas to any entrepreneur who is looking for an excellent and a honest patent attorney.