Patent Prosecution
McKenna Long & Aldridge (MLA) has tremendous experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications in the United States and around the world.
MLA has both the expertise and knowledge base to protect our clients’ IP assets and collaborate with them to build a strong patent portfolio. Many of MLA’s patent prosecution attorneys have postgraduate degrees, in addition to significant professional experience, in major technology areas. Several attorneys also have substantial experience as patent examiners. Our extensive technical knowledge is essential to prosecuting sophisticated patent applications involving highly specialized technologies that result in strong, enforceable patents. MLA is nationally ranked among the top patent prosecution firms in the country for its work for the world’s most inventive organizations.
We work closely with our client’s innovators to develop strong patent applications and effective patent strategies. We recognize the importance of a close working relationship and believe the best work product results from mutual collaboration with our client. MLA attorneys often spend extended periods of time in our clients’ foreign offices not only working on applications, but also developing ideas in their infancy for future applications. MLA also regularly welcomes our client representatives to work hand-in-hand with us in our offices. Our focus on cultivating close client relationships has resulted in a consistent record of success.
Our patent prosecution team also understands the critical importance of face-to-face communications with the patent examiners. Because we often deal with the most complex innovations, we find that meetings with examiners are key to ensuring that the examiner fully appreciates our client’s inventions. Coupling our written submissions with one-on-one meetings enables us to address issues effectively and present the most persuasive arguments on behalf of our clients.
Importantly, our prosecutors understand patent litigation, giving them a valuable perspective on prosecution. Prosecuting with an eye towards enforcement ensures patent holders meaningful protection, not just a patent. MLA regularly conducts inter partes and ex parte reexamination proceedings, often strategically in conjunction with patent litigations. MLA also represents clients in patent interference proceedings before the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences.
MLA’s patent prosecution practice includes highly experienced docketing and foreign filing support staff and an extensive network of foreign patent agents worldwide. MLA has in depth knowledge of administrative procedures for patents worldwide, such as formal and informal examiner panels in the European Patent Office, European Opposition proceedings and interviews with Examiners in foreign patent offices.
The firm provides a wide range of patent prosecution related services to clients including:
- Preparation of patent applications with the client’s input and critical feedback;
- Filing of applications here and abroad, seeking U.S. and foreign protection;
- Active prosecution and close monitoring of all pending applications and development of a prosecution strategy with the client for all matters;
- Experienced handling of administrative appeals, interferences, petitions, and protests when necessary to protect or defend our client’s interests; and
- Focused attention on reexamination matters and reissues.