Patents in Florida
Have you invented or discovered an untapped market, product or idea? Consider a patent in Florida to protect your new potential business endeavor. Learn more about claiming the rights to your intellectual property below.
1: Get Started with Online Application Services
Online application assistance can simplify and streamline the process for many Florida business-related services, including: forming a limited liability company or a limited partnership, starting an S-Corp or a C-Corp or registering intellectual property and nonprofit organizations. In addition to the free forms and general instructions available from different business organizations, you will receive a comprehensive License Checklist & Forms Packet specific to your needs, fast answers to tough questions and prompt service from a friendly staff.
2: Via your state department
If you prefer to access additional material on Florida business services, visit a state-specific online resource for extra support regarding future business ventures.
Protecting Your Intellectual Property with a Patent
Your invention could turn into a lucrative business opportunity. In order to protect your property, you can apply for a patent in Florida through the United States Patent and Trademark Office. For basic information on Florida patents, visit the USPTO website.
Federal Patents
According to the USPTO website, "A patent is a property right granted by the Government of the United States of America to an inventor to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling the invention throughout the United States or importing the invention into the United States."
Typically, utility and plant patents are valid for 20 years from the date you first applied for the patent in Florida. Design patents last 14 years.
What Can Be Patented:
- Process
- Machine
- Article of manufacture
- Composition of matter
- Improvement of any of the above
What Cannot Be Patented:
- Laws of nature
- Physical phenomena
- Abstract ideas
- Literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works
Florida Patent Information
There are several great resources in Florida for obtaining patent information.
For a list of registered patent attorneys/agents in the state of Florida, click here.
Additionally, there are three Patent and Trademark Resource Centers located throughout the state:
Broward County Main Library (Fort Lauderdale) Miami-Dade Public Library (Miami) University of Central Florida Libraries (Orlando)
