Back to News

Some Invention-Services Companies Remain Under Fire for Deceptive Practices

Published on

December 18, 2018

A recent western Pennsylvania federal court decision has underscored the importance of speaking with a patent attorney during the process of developing an invention.

The court upheld an earlier arbitration ruling that an “invention-services” company violated the American Inventors Protection Act and awarded twice the fees it charged – and $10,000 worth of attorney’s fees – to the woman who brought the suit against the company.

The violations of the act occurred when the company made misleading statements concerning the viability of the product idea the woman presented, according to the arbitrator.

Unfortunately, there have been dozens of cases where invention-services or invention promotion companies have had to defend themselves against fraudulent behavior from a potential inventor. The cases cost the inventor tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees fighting against the company they believe misrepresented the invention’s viability.

While invention-services companies can be useful in some areas, there are still areas where a seasoned legal professional is imperative for helping you protect your intellectual property. Invention-services companies tout their prowess at getting an idea to market and can help with the product development and sourcing, and in many cases they are successful in helping inventors. However, they can’t misrepresent that their services are necessary for consumers to license their ideas, and that they can help determine the patentability of ideas.

First-time inventors and small businesses most likely aren’t familiar with the intricacies that go into protecting an idea for a new product. While invention-service companies assert that they can help with the filing of provisional patent materials, this is a crucial step where action and non-action can have grave consequences in protecting an idea. It is impossible to maintain the value of an invention unless the inventor takes all of the steps necessary to protect that idea.

Anyone with questions about the process of obtaining a patent or developing an invention can reach out to me or anyone in the Barley Snyder Intellectual Property Practice Group


Related News

View More News
News Alert
March 4, 2024

Patent Office Issues New Guidance on Inventing with AI

The rapid development and increased accessibility of artificial intelligenc...

Learn More
Press Release
November 28, 2023

Barley Snyder Partner and IP Practice Group Chair Salvatore Anastasi elected First Vice President of AIPLA

For Immediate Release Malvern, Pa. – Barley Snyder is pleased to announce...

Learn More
Press Release
November 16, 2023

Barley Snyder Completes Malvern Office Renovations

For Immediate Release Malvern, Pa. – Barley Snyder is pleased to announce...

Learn More

Other Upcoming Events

View All Upcoming Events
May
10
12:00 pm
-
5:00 pm
event
Location

Title IX Training: New Regulations & Updates – An Extension of the Employment Law Seminar

Learn More
Apr
10
12:00 pm
-
6:00 pm
event
Location

LendiCon 2024

Learn More
May
10
8:00 am
-
5:00 pm
event
Location

41st Annual Employment Law Seminar

Learn More

Get in Touch

Our attorneys, paralegals and staff look forward to hearing from you. Please reach out to let us know how we can help.

Get In Touch
RECOGNIZED IN
Super Lawyers
Best Law Firms US News
Best Lawyers