The "patent" has its origins in early English law.  A so-called "letters patent" (open letter) contained a brief description of an invention and set forth the inventor's limited rights in the invention.  Respect for patents and their role in promoting innovation carried over to the founders of United States government, and resulted in a specific Constitutional provision: “The Congress shall have Power … [t]o promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries…”  (U.S. Constitution, article I, section 8, clause 8).  Since then, patents have been important drivers of the United States economy and the progress of technology.

Obtaining a patent can be a key way of differentiating a company’s products and technology from the products and technology of competitors.  Licensing is also often based on patent protection for the licensed technology.

Since patents pertain directly to technology, a working knowledge of the subject technology is crucial to patent practice.  Klarquist Sparkman attorneys and patent agents take pride in understanding technology.  Many individuals in our firm have Ph.D.’s or other advanced degrees (and, in many instances, substantial prior work experience) in one or more technical or scientific disciplines.  Our patent agents and most of our attorneys also are registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  We enjoy working with inventors to help them explain and obtain patent protection for their ideas.

Klarquist Sparkman represents clients in all facets of patent practice, including the preparation and prosecution of patent applications filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and, with the assistance of foreign associates, in patent offices throughout the world.  The firm's patent services also include advising clients on the patentability of inventions, on validity and infringement issues, and on patent searches, reexaminations, reissuances, and interferences.

Attorney contacts for our Patents group: Michael Girard or Patrick Bible.