Patent FAQ's

Below are some Patent FAQ's.

When can I file for a Patent?
    You can file for a Patent up to 12 months after an initial offer for sale or public disclosure. After that time you can no longer file for a Patent.
Do I really need a Patent? 
    A Patent does not guarantee commercial success. Patents provide the right to refuse someone else to make, use, or sell your invention. This means that if someone copies your idea and you have a Patent you have the legal right to pursue legal recourse.
What does "Patent Pending" mean and does it protect me?
    Patent Pending means that you have filed a Patent application with the Patent Office. There is no protection with "patent pending".
Can I mail my idea to myself and it be protected?
    No. Mailing materials to yourself does not provide any type of protection.
Does a US Patent protect me in other countries?
    No. A US Patent protects you in the United States.
When should I file for a Patent?
    A Patent Strategy should be developed and executed in the beginning phase of your business plan.

This Web page, and the other pages of the Gulf Coast Intellectual Property Group Web server, are provided by the law group of Gulf Coast Intellectual Property Group as a service to the public. It is hoped that the information provided here will be helpful to readers in familiarizing themselves with intellectual property issues that may affect them. As legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for advice of competent counsel.

We do not intend that this web site would enable you to make a decision to hire our la group. The hiring of a legal professional is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.

Gulf Coast Intellectual Property Group
5450 Bruce B. Downs Suite 355
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
(214)-764-9311
FAX (888-822-7531)
info@gulfcoastip.com