Protecting Innovation.
Building Patent Strategy.
Patent protection can help safeguard new products, technology, processes, designs, and improvements. NW Patents provides practical guidance from the first filing decision through USPTO prosecution, issuance, maintenance, and portfolio strategy.
A Patent Strategy Built Around the Invention
Different inventions call for different filing strategies. The right approach depends on what you are protecting, where you may need protection, the stage of development, timing, budget, and your broader business goals.
Common Types of Patent Applications
Utility Patents
Utility patents protect functional inventions — how something works, is made, or is used. They may cover products, machines, processes, systems, software-related technology, and improvements to existing inventions.
Design Patents
Design patents protect the ornamental appearance of a manufactured article rather than its function. They can be especially valuable when a product’s visual design is an important commercial feature.
Provisional Applications
A provisional application can establish an early U.S. filing date and provide up to 12 months before a corresponding nonprovisional application must be filed. It can provide time to develop, test, fund, or commercialize an invention.
Nonprovisional Applications
A nonprovisional utility application is examined by the USPTO and can mature into an issued U.S. patent. The application includes a detailed description, drawings when appropriate, and claims defining the protection sought.
International / PCT
International strategies may include a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application or direct foreign filings. International protection requires careful planning because foreign filing and national-stage deadlines apply.
Continuations & Related Filings
Continuation, divisional, and continuation-in-part strategies may be used in appropriate cases to pursue additional claim scope, separate inventions, or evolving technology while preserving relationships to earlier filings.
From First Filing to Issuance
Evaluate the Invention
Identify what is new, commercially important, and potentially protectable.
Develop the Filing Strategy
Determine the appropriate application type, timing, scope, and foreign filing plan.
USPTO Examination
Work through examination, Office Actions, amendments, arguments, and related prosecution decisions.
Issuance & Portfolio Management
Manage issuance, maintenance, continuation strategy, and the patent’s role in the broader portfolio.
Support Throughout the Patent Lifecycle
Patent protection does not end when an application is filed. NW Patents assists clients with prosecution, portfolio planning, post-filing decisions, and ongoing patent matters.
The goal is a practical strategy that considers both legal protection and the business purpose behind the invention.
Have an Invention or Patent Question?
Talk with NW Patents about your invention, filing options, prosecution strategy, patent portfolio, or U.S. representation needs.
Schedule a Consultation