At Martin IP Law Group, our patent practice is centered on helping businesses, inventors, and creators secure, manage, and enforce their intellectual property. With a deep understanding of U.S. patent law and international treaty frameworks, our team guides clients through complex legal landscapes to maximize the commercial value of their innovations.
A patent grants the exclusive right to make, use, sell, or license an invention for up to 20 years. Patents are more than legal protections—they can:
Leading companies and start-ups rely on patents not only to defend their inventions, but also to signal credibility and innovation in the marketplace.
We offer a full suite of services across the patent lifecycle:
Our attorney holds advanced technical degrees and has in‑depth experience across engineering, chemistry, software development, life sciences, and consumer product innovation. This interdisciplinary skill set allows us to quickly grasp complex inventions and translate them into strong patent applications.
Rather than take a one‑size‑fits‑all approach, we begin with your business objectives. Whether you’re aiming for quick patent filings, monetization through licensing, or building a global portfolio, our legal strategies align with your priorities and stage of growth.
We monitor USPTO trends, including subject-matter eligibility under 35 U.S.C. § 101 (following Alice decisions), and excel in crafting patent claims that are robust, defensible, and tailored to current patentability standards. Clients benefit from a high allowance rate and fewer costly rejections.
From utility and design patents to provisional applications, PCT filings, national phase entries, and subsequent continuations—we manage the entire patent journey. We also coordinate foreign family filings to ensure your IP is protected internationally in key markets.
Our patent team has extensive experience across a range of innovation-driven industries, including:
We combine legal expertise with technical know‑how to craft patent solutions tailored to each sector’s unique challenges.
| Stage | What We Do | What You Receive |
| Strategy Session | Learn your invention, business goals, and timeline | Customized IP strategy |
| Preparation | Conduct searches; draft application | Complete utility or design application |
| Filing | Prepare and file with USPTO or international bodies | Application receipt and publication schedule |
| Prosecution | Respond to office actions and objections | Office action responses and examiner interviews |
| Allowance | Prepare final paperwork and fees | Notice of Allowance and issued patent |
| Post‑Issuance Services | Provide maintenance planning, enforcement, licensing strategies | Ongoing patent portfolio support |
Developing a patent portfolio is a strategic investment. At Martin IP Law Group, we provide upfront transparency, flexible billing options, and cost estimates tailored to your needs:
For most services, we charge a flat fixed-fee. However, we can accommodate blended, or hourly billing based on your budget and business model.
Race Timing Startup: Frustrated by outdated race timing systems, the founders developed and patented several innovations that simplified race logistics and improved accuracy. Their patents gave them a strong market advantage and helped scale the business rapidly. The IP protection also deterred competitors and increased the company’s valuation, resulting in the company being acquired for a handsome sum.
RF Broadcasting Equipment Company: Thanks to years of proactive IP monitoring and thorough documentation of its own innovations, when accused of infringing a competitor’s recently issued patent, they were ready. We quickly produced evidence that invalidated the competitor’s patent, leading to a swift and favorable settlement saving the company from costly litigation and protecting its market position.
Software Developer: Despite initial § 101 rejections, our revised application emphasizing technical improvements overcame office actions under Alice—resulting in a broad AI‑enhancing software patent.
What can be patented?
You can patent any new and useful invention, whether it’s a product, a machine, or a process in virtually any field. This ranges from simple everyday gadgets (like a kitchen tool) to high-tech innovations (like a new electronic device). The key is that your invention must be truly novel (something that hasn’t been done before) and not just an abstract idea or discovery of something natural. If it’s a concrete improvement or solution that’s new and useful, it’s likely patentable.
How much does it cost to get a patent?
Patents can be expensive. In the U.S., obtaining a patent typically costs several thousand dollars in total, and it can even run into the tens of thousands for more complex inventions. This cost includes government filing fees and often the fees for a patent attorney to prepare and argue your application. The exact price depends on the complexity of your invention and the help you use. Also keep in mind there are maintenance fees over the years to keep a granted patent in force (paid periodically after the patent is issued).
How long does a patent last?
A patent doesn’t last forever – in fact, most patents last 20 years from the date you file the application (this is the standard for utility patents in the U.S. and many other countries). During this period, you have the exclusive right to make, use, or sell your invention. After the 20 years are up, the patent expires, and anyone is free to use the invention without permission. (Design patents, which cover ornamental designs, last 15 years from issuance in the U.S., but the common patents for inventions follow the 20-year rule).
Can I patent an idea?
No, you cannot patent a mere idea by itself. To get a patent, you must turn your idea into a specific, describable invention. In practice, this means you need to provide a detailed description or blueprint of how your idea works and how someone could make or use it. If all you have is a general concept with no concrete form or details, it’s not enough for a patent – you’ll need to develop it into something more tangible (for example, a prototype or well-explained design) before it’s considered patentable.
How do I protect my invention when talking to others?
The golden rule is don’t share details publicly until you have protection in place. If you need to discuss your invention with potential partners, investors, or manufacturers, consider asking them to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) first. An NDA (also called a confidentiality agreement) is a simple contract where they promise not to disclose or steal your idea. It’s also wise to file at least a provisional patent application before big discussions – this gives you a “patent pending” status on your invention. Having a patent application on file and using NDAs will help safeguard your invention by legally discouraging others from copying it or ruining your chances of getting a patent in the future.
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Evansville, IN 47708
Phone: (812) 492-4478
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Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: (317) 975-0719
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