Patents and Patent Searches

Special Offer for Next 10 Clients: Real Utility Patent Application $3,495
Including a Complete Patent Search, less than half the cost of other patent firms.

Free Patent Search Offer for Next 10 Clients: Free patent search with your patent application. This is a complete patent search of all related classes and subclasses for all years from the beginning of the patent system to the present.

FREE CONSULTATION: Email: dm@1st-patents.com
or Call 800-434-6297 from 1-6 PM East Coast Time

Home  |  US Patents  |  Global Patents  |  Patent Searches  |  Patent Information

Global Network  |  Confidential  |  To Start Now  |  Contact us

Now Utility Patent Application and Patent Search for $3,495

A complete professional patent search is performed including searching all related classes and subclasses including all years from the beginning of the patent system to the present, with a full search report and copies of related patents. (NOTE: other search services performing only word searches, including concept words, only go back to 1975 and if the same words are not used as someone has used in their patent, that patent will be missed.) Other patent firms charge at least $1200 to $2000 for a search and $8,000 to $16,000 for a patent application. But if you act now and are one of the next ten clients, you get:

• Free patent search with your paid utility patent application (details)
• Patent application special only $3,495 (details)
• Free Consultation with Don Meeker (over 30 years of experience)

Low Overhead = Low Cost: I have been a registered patent agent for over 30 years and have written and prosecuted hundreds of patent applications successfully. My fees are low because I keep my overhead low. I work at home. I do not have to cover the cost of fancy law offices and large staffs. These savings are passed along to you.

The way the special works is that a $495 search fee is paid, the search performed, and the search results sent to you within a week. If the search turns out well and you wish me to proceed with the patent application, the $495 search fee is deducted from the patent fee of $4495 ($4495 - 495= $4000 balance). An advance of half the balance is paid ($2000), the patent application is written including the drawings and sent to you usually within three weeks. Any necessary changes are made and upon your approval of the application, the balance ($2000) and Filing Fees ($545) are paid and the patent application is filed. The status is then Patent Pending.

Chance to take action on your invention - You now have the opportunity to take action to protect your invention and get it into the market place before someone else beats you to it. Act now to move forward with your idea.

For complex mechanical and electromechanical inventions the special price for the patent application and patent search is only $5,495 for the next 10 clients plus the Filing Fees of $545.

For complex system inventions the special price for the patent application and patent search is only $6,495 for the next ten clients, plus the Filing Fees of $545.

For design patents the special price for a design patent application is only $1595 for the next ten clients, plus the Filing Fees of $230.

You can choose from the following options depending on your situation:

• Click here to start the patent search today.
• Click here after we have performed a successful search for you to get your Spceial patent application: $3,000 ($495 patent search fee subtracted from the $3,495 special price) for a simple mechanical invention, $4,000 ($495 patent search fee subtracted from the $4,495 special price) for a complex mechanical invention or electromechanical invention, or $5,000 ($495 patent search fee subtracted from the $5,495 special price) patent application for a complex system invention. In addition, the Patent Office charges Filing/Search/Examination Fees of $545.
• Click here if you have already completed your own patent search and want a Special patent application: $3,295 for a simple mechanical invention, $4,295 for a complex mechanical invention or electromechanical invention, or $5,295 for a complex system invention. In addition, the Patent Office charges Utility Patent Filing/Search/Examination Fees of $545.
• Click here to start a design patent for the special price of $1595 plus the Design Patent Filing/Search/Examination Fees of $230.

Click here to go up to the index to get to more information about patents and about our services.

Global Network of Patent Attorneys & Agents

Welcome to 1st Patents at Don Meeker Associates .com,

Through our web site you have access to a global network of registered Patent Attorneys and Agents. Together we have many years of experience and can write very effective patents to provide US and foreign patent protection for your invention. We provide confidential, efficient, expert service and specialize in patents. Normally, US residents file for a patent in the US and then proceed with foreign filings after the foreign filing license is granted within two months of the US filing date.

My name is Don Meeker, currently located in New York City and Newport Beach, California. Since 1978, I have been registered to practice with the US Patent and Trademark Office as a patent agent. Patent agents and patent attorneys are both members of the Patent Bar. The main difference between patent attorneys and agents is that the patent agents specialize in patent applications and searches exclusively, while the patent attorneys generally spend half their time in court or working on business matters.

With over twenty-five years experience, I feel that I offer expert service, while keeping the client relationship friendly and personalized. I charge a flat fee for preparing and filing patent applications in addition to the Patent Office Filing/Search/Examination Fees with no hourly consultation fees or charges for phone calls or other extra charges.

My clients are located all over the US. With emails, faxes, 800 numbers, and overnight mail delivery it is easy to work with clients in distant locations and provide fast efficient service. I have an engineering degree and have created patents in many diverse technologies including: transportation, heating, building repair, tools, photography, medical equipment, electrical connectors, boating, camping, games, toys, music accessories, entertainment equipment, optical devices, sports equipment, furniture, plumbing, computer accessories, and many others.

Seeing new inventions in very interesting to me and I usually find it very easy to understand new technologies to prepare very strong patents. If I can be of service to you in protecting your invention, I will look forward to working with you.

Remember, time is very important in securing a patent. Protect your invention now before someone else gets the same idea and beats you to it. Many, many clients tell me that they had an idea, but someone else beat them to it before they protected the idea and brought it to market themselves. Don't miss out on another opportunity. Contact me now to protect your invention.

Best of luck with your invention,

Don Meeker

Confidential Submission of Your Ideas

All information submitted will be viewed in strict confidence and only used by members of our network for the sole purpose of performing the services you request. No information or ideas submitted to us will be revealed to others or used in any way for personal gain.

Patent Information - What a Patent Is and What It Does for You

A US Patent allows you to license your invention idea, it is like the deed to the ranch in a sense. Without it you have nothing to offer a company unless your technology can be kept secret and provide protection as a trade secret.

The patent gives the inventor, or a company licensing or buying the patent rights from the inventor, the right to exclude others from making, using, or selling the patented invention for a period of twenty years from the filing date of the utility patent application.

What May Be Patented

Patents may be obtained on new and useful inventions which are not obvious in view of previous patents or public technology. Patents are of three different types based on the nature of the invention and type of protection desired:

1. Utility Patent: New and useful process, machine, manufacture (product), or composition of matter or any new and useful improvements thereof which must not be obvious in view of other patents and public technology. Some categories of US Patents now include Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Biological, Software, and Business Methods.
2. Design Patent: Visual appearance of a useful object.
3. Plant Patent: Asexually reproduced plant.

Important Time Factors Related to Patents

If you think you may be interested in getting foreign patents, it is very important that you apply for a patent before making your invention public. Making an invention public can be offering the invention for sale or selling the invention, having it described in a publication, or revealing it to anyone without a confidential disclosure agreement where they agree to keep your invention secret.

File a Patent Application in the US, Then File for International Patents

Because of international agreements with most countries, you can file a U.S. patent application and then file for international patent applications within one year of the U.S. filing date and have the advantage of the original U.S. filing date in the foreign countries. After one year from the U.S. filing date you no longer have the advantage of the US filing date and, if the invention has been made public, you will not be able to file in most of the foreign countries. Canada is an exception, They allow filing a patent within two years of making the invention public.

You Lose Your Right to File for a Patent If You Don't File in the US Within One Year of Making the Invention Public

In the U.S. you can actually apply for a patent application within one year of making the invention public. If you wait more than a year after making the invention public, the invention becomes public property and you are no longer able to obtain a valid patent in the US. Exceptions are make for testing of the invention.

You Should Apply for a Patent Before Making the Invention Public

It is always best to apply for a patent before making the invention public. If you rely on confidential disclosures to reveal the invention to others and they make the invention public, even though you may be able to sue them for breach of contract, you may still lose your patent rights because of the public disclosure.

How To Obtain a Patent

A patent is a complex document explaining how to make and how to use an invention including detailed drawings, so that someone skilled in the technology would actually be able to make and use the invention. It includes the technical field of the invention, the unique features and advantages, and a summary abstract. Most importantly, the patent document contains legally binding claims which determine the extent of the rights of the patent holder.

The patent application, which is made to the US Patent and Trademark Office and to the patent offices of other countries if desired, must include the patent document as described in the previous paragraph, a declaration that you believe yourself to be the true inventor, information about the inventor, a transmittal letter, and the Filing/Search/Examination Fees ( currently $545 for individuals or companies with fewer than 500 employees for not more than 20 total claims, including not more than three independent claims).

While it is possible for an inventor to write and file a patent application, it is highly recommended to have the application written (especially the legally binding claims), filed and prosecuted before the US Patent and Trademark Office by a registered patent attorney or agent with years of experience. This may be the single most important component of your success or failure with your invention to enable you to license the invention and prevent others from infringing on your idea. Your investment in your patent protection (far less than the cost of putting a single advertisement in a national magazine) will pay for itself a thousand times over during the twenty year term of the patent. Without a well written patent you may lose everything.

Copyright

A copyright protects creative expression, such as the actual words of a book or song, the actual visual appearance of objects that have no other function than the artistic, such as paintings and sculpture, or visual images which may be applied in a variety of ways, such as cartoon characters. Copyrights are obtainable through the Library of Congress. There is a "copyright information" link below to the Library of Congress.

Trademark

A trademark or servicemark covers only the name of a product or service. It actually protects the consumer, since the owner of a trademark must maintain the quality of the product or service so that consumers are assured of the same quality whenever they purchase a product or service bearing the trademarked name. More information about trademarks may be found at the Patent and Trademark Office by clicking the "patent and trademark information" link below.

Trade Secrets

A trade secret is knowledge about how to make a product, such as the formula for Coke(TM). It can only work if the trade secret may not be discovered by someone analyzing the product. It is only effective as long as everyone who knows the trade secret keeps it a secret.

US Patent Searches

Free Patent Search by Registered Patent Agent: For a limited time patent searches will be free with a patent application. The way it works is that you pay only $495 for the patent search and if the invention is patentable and you have me prepare your patent application, the patent search fee is deducted from the patent application cost, so you get the search for free. Act now.

A small percentage of the time a patent search will reveal that the exact invention has already been patented. In those cases, there would be no patent application, so the free patent search with a patent application offer would not apply.

A US patent search, the usual first step to determine patentability, can be performed for a search fee of only $495 paid in advance as a retainer. Your patent search will be performed and evaluated by me as an experienced patent agent with the knowlegde of where to look and what to look for. It is a complete patent search of all the related classes and subclasses for all years from the beginning of the patent system to the present. NOTE: other search services performing only word searches, including concept words, only go back to 1975 and if the same words are not used as someone has used in their patent, that patent will be missed.

A Patent Search Report and copies of related patents will be reported to you within one to two weeks. You will be getting the best search possible.

See instructions below for submitting your confidential information and payment.

US Patents and Design Patents

If your invention is patentable based on the search, a US patent application can be written and filed, including patent drawings, within four weeks upon your approval now for only $3,495 - $5,495 including the patent search plus the Filing/Search/Examination Fees of $545. US design patents are now only $1,595 plus the $230 Filing/Search/Examination Fees. Typical fees for US patent preparation are listed on our Patent Fees page. Click here to proceed with a US Patent Application. Click here to proceed with a US Design Patent.

International Patents

International patents filed within one year have the US filing date as a priority date. If you choose to file for foreign patents based on a US application, you can file through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) initial filing process for $4,500 (if the patent has 20 claims or less and the total number of pages, including drawings, is less than 27).

The PCT filing process is recommended if you are uncertain of which countries you will eventually select for patent filing or if you wish to delay the filing in individual countries, which often requires substantial fees for translations. Alternately, we can file patents directly in individual countries (costs available upon request). A European Patent filing process delays individual country filing in a similar fashion to the PCT. The process allows designating desired European Union countries and many former Soviet Union countries by extension. To start a PCT International Patent Application, click here.

How to Proceed

____________________________

To Start US Patent Search

For online secure credit card payment or PayPal payment, click below to go to the Patent Fees page and click to the right of item #1 - US Patent Search. Then send your request for a US patent search along with your name, address, phone and email, if appropriate, and a confidential description of your invention including how to make and use the invention, the function, and how it is an improvement over any past ways of doing a similar thing. If the invention can be explained verbally on the phone, a written description is not necessary. 

You may send the information: 

    by Email to dm@1st-patents .com

    by mail to

Don Meeker
Patent Agent
240 Cabrini BLVD #4A
New York, NY 10033

Phone: 800-434-6297 or 212-543-1275 (best time to reach me in the office is from 1-6 PM East Coast Time)

FAX: 888-234-4426

Alternately you may mail or phone or FAX in your credit card information or mail a check or money order in US dollars payable to "Donald Meeker". 

Check by phone payment. Just call 800-434-6297 or 212-543-1275 and have your next available check ready to give the information over the phone for an instant check payment.

We are glad to answer any questions and be of service to you in protecting your ideas. Click here for the Patent Fees Page. Thank you.

To Start a US Patent Application

If a patent search has already been performed indicating that your invention is patentable, or if you are confident that the invention has never been patented before and do not want a patent search, you can proceed with your US patent application. 

For online secure credit card payment or PayPal payment, click below to go to the Patent Fees page and click to the right of Item # 2 for the Patent Office Filing/Search/Examination Fees. Then click the appropriate category of invention and depending on whether or not you wish to take advantage of the savings for a full advance payment (choose the appropriate one out of Items # 3-11 - Special Offer Patents are Items # 2a, 2b, and 2c for fees after a successful search performed by us and Items # 2c, 2d, and 2e for fees when we do not perform the search). Then send your request for a US patent application along with the inventor's full name, address, phone, FAX and email, if appropriate, and a confidential description of your invention including how to make and use the invention, the function, and how it is an improvement over any past ways of doing a similar thing. If the invention can be explained verbally on the phone, a written description is not necessary. 

You may send the information: 

    by Email to dm@1st-patents .com

    by mail to

Don Meeker
Patent Agent
240 Cabrini BLVD #4A
New York, NY 10033

Phone: 800-434-6297 or 212-543-1275 (best time to reach me in the office is from 1-6 PM East Coast Time)

FAX: 888-234-4426

Alternately you may mail or phone or FAX in your credit card information or mail a check or money order in US dollars payable to "Donald Meeker". 

Check by phone payment. Just call 800-434-6297 or 212-543-1275 and have your next available check ready to give the information over the phone for an instant check payment.

We are glad to answer any questions and be of service to you in protecting your ideas. Click here for the Patent Fees Page. Thank you. 

To Start  a US Design Patent Application

For online secure credit card payment or PayPal payment, go to the Patent Fees page and click one of the buttons to the right of item for the design patent application and depending on whether or not you wish to take advantage of the savings for a full advance payment (choose the appropriate one out of Items #3D1-3D3 - Special Offer Design Patents are Items #2G1-2G2 for fees ). Then send your request for a US design patent application along with the inventor's full name, address, phone, FAX and email, if appropriate, and a confidential description of your invention including detailed drawings or photographs.

You may send the information: 

    by Email to dm@1st-patents.com

    by mail to

Don Meeker
Patent Agent
240 Cabrini BLVD #4A
New York, NY 10033

Phone: 800-434-6297 or 212-543-1275 (best time to reach me in the office is from 1-6 PM East Coast Time)

FAX: 888-234-4426

Alternately you may mail or phone or FAX in your credit card information or mail a check or money order in US dollars payable to "Donald Meeker". 

Check by phone payment. Just call 800-434-6297 or 212-543-1275 and have your next available check ready to give the information over the phone for an instant check payment.

We are glad to answer any questions and be of service to you in protecting your ideas. Thank you.

To Start a PCT International Patent Application

For a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) International Patent Application based on a US patent application, provide us with a copy of the patent application in English with formal drawings (if formal drawings are not available there may be an additional fee to prepare formal drawings - allow extra time), the filing numbers and dates, the inventor's full name, address, phone, FAX and email numbers (if any), citizenship, any assignment information, and the necessary fees. These filings based on existing patents can be filed very quickly within a week or in a day or two when necessary to meet filing deadlines.

A check or money order payable to Donald Meeker for $4,500 for the PCT International Patent Application Fees should be sent to the address below or a check by phone used as indicated below.

You may send the information: 

    by Email to dm@1st-patents .com

    by mail to

Don Meeker
Patent Agent
240 Cabrini BLVD #4A
New York, NY 10033

Phone: 800-434-6297 or 212-543-1275 (best time to reach me in the office is from 1-6 PM East Coast Time)

FAX: 888-234-4426

Alternately you may mail or phone or FAX in your credit card information or mail a check or money order in US dollars payable to "Donald Meeker". 

NEW Check by phone payment. Just call 800-434-6297 or 212-543-1275 and have your next available check ready to give the information over the phone for an instant check payment.

We are glad to answer any questions and be of service to you in protecting your ideas. Click here for the Patent Fees Page. Thank you.

Contact me: 

    by Email to dm@1st-patents .com

    by mail to

Don Meeker
Patent Agent
240 Cabrini BLVD #4A
New York, NY 10033

Phone: 800-434-6297 or 212-543-1275 (best time to reach me in the office is from 1-6 PM East Coast Time)

FAX: 888-234-4426

I will be happy to answer any questions and be of service to you in protecting your ideas.

I have a strict privacy policy and will not reveal any information given to me.

Thank you for your interest in 1stPatents.com,

Don Meeker