Patent law is the branch of intellectual property law that deals with new inventions, traditional patents protect tangible scientific inventions, such as circuit boards, car engines, heating coils, or zippers, however, over time patents have been used to protect a broader variety of inventions such as coding algorithms, business practices, or genetically modified organisms.
Increasing competition and global commerce have changed the way patents are approached and managed. Today, it is essential to have an intellectual property strategy that includes maximizing the potential value of a company's patents as well as reducing unnecessary costs and risks.
Our firm has filed patents with the Patent and Trademark Office in a wide range of disciplines including Information technology, Biotechnology / Life sciences, Chemicals, Manufacturing and Electronics etc. While obtaining patents is essential, it is only one step in developing a patent portfolio that offers the necessary protection, as well as optimizes marketability. Our clients benefit from constant reviews of patent use, competitor actions and market trends. We establishe and manage portfolios of Pakistani and foreign patents for large corporations and large enterprises as well.
What is a patent?
A patent is a right of exclusion granted by a government to the inventor of an article, device, substance, process or method which is new, inventive and useful in return for its development and disclosure to the public.
What rights does a patent provided?
Patents provide the inventor with the right to exclude others from exploiting the invention for the life of the patent, which is generally up 20 years from filing.
What can be patented?
Virtually any new and useful advance can be patented, for example mechanical devices, electric circuits, chemical compounds, genetically altered life forms and the application of computer software and algorithms. Business methods and manufacturing process can also be patented, especially if they involve computers and information technology. The advance doesn't need to be a major breakthrough - a small improvement or variation may be patentable. It is necessary, however, for there to be an inventive step, i.e. the improvement can't be considered obvious to a skilled worker in the relevant filed.
What can't be patented?
Generally, items such as plans, schemes, artistic creations and mental process cannot be patented. Since the law determining permissible subject matter for patents is based upon an accumulation of court decisions, what can be successfully patented has changed over the years and varies from country to country.
What are the different types of applications and patents?
Provisional application
The first step in filing a patent application in Australia is often the lodgment of an application, accompanied by a provisional specification, at the Patent Office. The provisional specification describes the invention and (in most cases0 its date of lodgment determines the 'priority date', on which date the invention must be new.
Complete application (leading to standard patent)
Within 12 months of lodging the provisional application can be lodged at the Patent Office. Where an invention is in development when a provisional specifications can be lodged in the 12-months period to include additional material. All such provisional specifications can be combined in a single with a series of numbered paragraphs called claim. The claims define the monopoly sought - both the particular embodiment of the invention as described in detail in the specification and variations.
Divisional application
Under the Patents Act 1990 it is possible to file a patent application that claims the same priority date as one previously filed and claims matter disclosed in an earlier application. These divisional in an application have a maximum term of 20 years, common with the parent case, but must be filed prior to sealing of the parent complete application.
Innovation patent
The novelty test for an innovation patent, as for a standard patent, includes publication or use anywhere in the world. However a lower innovative step applies. The innovation patent contains a maximum of five claims, has a shorter term (eight years instead of 20) and no extension of term is available. Applications are not subjected to examination, however, for the patent to be relied on infringement proceedings - the patentee must request examination and the patent must be validated.
Patents of addition
An application for a patent of addition may be made for a single improvement in, or modification of, the main invention in an earlier patent. The owner must be the same as the earlier patent or a person authorised by the owner.
Is there a worldwide patent?
No. Patents are obtained on a country-by-country basis, although there are a small number of regional patent arrangements, including one in Europe. The Patent Cooperation Treaty also exists, however this only applies for a short time during the application stage and national patens still ultimately result.
Role of Patent Attorney?
Patent attorneys provide the expertise required in order to obtain and protect IP rights. This involves managing the processes by which patents, trademarks' rights are granted, and advising on the issues surrounding their validity and infringement. Patent attorney must have a degree in engineering or since.
Our Core Competencies
1
Collaborative Skillset
Collaborative lawyers trust the wisdom of the group; lone wolves and isolationists do not do any good anymore.
2
Emotional Intelligence
Distant, detached lawyers are relics of the 20th century, the market no longer wants a lawyer who is only half a person.
3
Technological Affinity
If you can not effectively and efficiently use e-communications, and mobile tech, you might as well just stay home.
4
Time Management
Virtually a substantial part of lawyers difficulties in this regard lie with their inability to prioritise their time.
What People Say About Us
Thank you for your email and the final draft. Indeed it is one of the finest drafts I have come across with. Certainly, your commitment level, eagerness to resolve, intellectual strength, attention to detail and legal expertise are commendable. Under your admirable guidance and direction, I have been able to maneuver with immense success and will reach fruition much earlier than anticipated. Thank you for being so supportive!
Yaser Shan ~ Toronto, Canada
Thank you again so much for this wonderful service. I just wanted you both to know, I spent weeks searching for a service in Pakistan like this, that could legally handle payroll for a Pakistani employee for a US based business and so far I am extremely happy with your organization's service and punctuality. Your service thus far is absolutely amazing and I know Sunita is grateful that we were able to find your organization to ensure her position at our company.
Prince E. Rich IV | CEO ~ Rich Technology Group LLC, USA
We are very happy with the work you have done. Its highly appreciated the professionalism and deep research by the team. Accept our deep gratitude! I do not know how to say Thank you to you and your team! It's a masterpiece you have created and we are very thankful for your help to assist in our social cause.
Imtiaz Makhani ~ Karachi, Pakistan
Thank you very much for your fantastic support, which has been absolutely invaluable throughout the process. We really enjoyed working with you and look forward to plenty more opportunities for shared projects into the future.
Dr. Albrecht Muser | KPMG ~ München, Germany
Working with all of you over the last years has been a pleasure and an honour! Your expertise, focus on customer service and professionalism make it possible for us to provide superior services to our clients and I am so grateful to you.
Maude Burger-Smith ~ Cape Town, South Africa
We are glad to inform you the receipt of current outstanding balance in our bank account from the disputed party. Therefore we request you to arrange to close the dispute case with them as per our management decision. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the support and advice to solve this matter. It was pleasure working with you all.
Rahul Meppad ~ Dubai, UAE
Thank you for your support in this process and for your great hospitality. Your assistance has been of great importance. It was also important to see and experience the high quality of your services and your well known firm.
Magnus Greko ~ Sweden
Thank you for your support in this process. Your assistance has been invaluable. We are looking forward to a long lasting working relationship with you. Also, thank you for hospitality during these past days.
Lothar Geilen ~ Germany
Dear Atty. Iram Fatima: I would like to let you know that my wife came in USA last week. The U.S. Embassy Islamabad approved her visa petition in the lights of all the wonderful endeavors done by you and Mr. Birach. It was a long legal battle of about 7 years. I must say that your law firm is one of the best in the country and you are a highly professional advocate. Dr. Zafar should feel proud to have you in his crew. Finally, again I would say Thanks for all your legal services and I am your best reference.
Zubair Mufti ~ Texas, USA
Dear Dr Zafar and Iram: Thank you very much for timely submission of the excellent opinion letter. It is very well drafted and covers the key points. We very much appreciate your excellent and timely work in preparing the legal opinion.
Mrs. Iqbal Farrukh ~ San Francisco, USA
Dear Attorney Iram Fatima: Thanks so much for all of your kind efforts in this area and I must admit that your legal firm is the best in the country.
Zubair Mufti ~ Texas, USA
The efficiency and effectiveness of your services are much appreciated.
James Alexander Linton Williams ~ UK
We are complately satisfied with the e-communication and provided services. We would like to thank the whole team, and Ms Iram Fatima in particular, for your professionalism and the Due Diligence you carried out.
Elena Pavlova ~ France
Many thanks for this, and thank you for being so prompt. It is very appreciated.
Alex Gilchrist ~ Somerset, UK
Thank you again for handling my case so well, I am honoured to be represented by you.
Yolanda Slabbert ~ Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Thank you very much for your great attention to my case, I see that you're a very serious company and I'm happy that I've choose you.
Sergio Lujan ~ Bogota, Colombia
I really appreciate the help and support provided by Zafar and Associates to our company. I don’t know what to say or how to thank you, but to tell the truth your services are really the best legal services we have ever received. You are truly a professional and effective law firm.
Adnan Branbo ~ Dubai, UAE
Thank you very much for your contribution. We will review the information and incorporate it into the International Citation Manual of Washington University Global Studies Law Review. Your help is appreciated.
Naomi Levin ~ Washington, USA
I wanted to let you know that i got the documents. And i wanted to thank you and the whole team who worked on my case. You all did a good job thanks again.
Naima Ashraf ~ The Hague, Holland
Thank you very much for all the work you have done to ensure that the Death in Service benefit reaches the parents of the deceased. Are they expecting this money and do they understand where it is coming from? We appreciate your assistance and excellent work.
Susan Bauer ~ London, UK
I have no words to express my gratitude to you. People like you are very rare and I have the privilege to know one of those. May God shower all blessings on to you and your family. I am a small man with only prayers on my lips.
Dr. Haridev Bhargava ~ Saratoga, USA
I must say your handling of this matter has been totally sterling and I shall not have any hesitation in recommending you and your firm to others.
Rosina Ahmad ~ UK
Good morning, I received the documents back yesterday afternoon. Thank you so much for your quick response to the job. We really appreciate it. Looking forward to working with you in the further.
Mrs. Jan Malcolm ~ Auckland, New Zealand
Thank you very much for the case. It is just brilliant! I am so grateful that you went out of your way to help me.”
Loraine Bhan ~ Suva, Fiji
I do appreciate highly the sense of commitment your office wishes to dedicate to the follow up of our question for information. I have transmitted the contents of your email IMMEDIATELY to the contact, together with confirmation of the highest esteem we attribute to the quality of the services rendered by ZAFAR & ASSOCIATES.
Paul Wouters ~ Istanbul, Turkey
Thank you very much for the information and good news. I know you’ve been working too hard and I appreciate every single minute working with you all. It’s an experience to be in the team of hardworking people and I am very proud to be included.
Evangeline Williams ~ Paphos, Cyprus
I would like to thank you for your swift and excellent service that your office recently provided us. I would definitely forward your contact information to my friends and family in reference to seeking legal matters in Pakistan. I would also inform Sean Hogan and his associates to pass on your contact information to any clients that may need assistance in the matters of law in Pakistan.
Zarar Khan ~ Miami, USA
We are greatly impressed with your firm and the professional calibre of the partners. If acceptable, we would like to keep your firm as a reference for future projects. Please let me know.
Tanaz Pardiwala ~ Barcelona, Spain
We are happy to inform you that we have received the original succession certificate via DHL. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your efforts, especially Dr. Zafar, who was kind enough to handle the security deposit at the court. With our best wishes and success for the New Year, to you and your esteemed team, we remain with.
Mansur Asrar ~ Istanbul, Turkey
I am writing to convey to you how much I appreciate your prompt service! My mother called me today and informed me that 2 lawyers from your firm visited her. It is a pleasant surprise to know that such a law firm exists in our very own country. I would definitely recommend your firm to any friend who is in need of professional legal services in Pakistan.
Naveed Ahmad ~ USA
I am truly very impressed with the follow up of your law firm. I never thought a Pakistani firm would be so aggressive and pro-active. Do you even happen to come to NYC? If so, then please look me up here when you visit next.
Faisal Mumtaz ~ New York, USA
I want to thank you for all services you have rendered to us. I really appreciate it and hope on further cooperation.
Petrov Andrey ~ Moscow, Russia
With God's help you have done a great thing for our family. Thank you so much for your diligence and expertise. We are truly grateful to God for all that is possible now. We also are looking forward to meeting you and your staff when we arrive in Pakistan next month. Please let us know if there is anything we can bring for you from the United States as a gift.
Shaukat Minhas and Colleen Davidson ~ Dallas, USA
Your help in investigation case is well appreciated. My brother and I are ever grateful to you for obtaining the document. Thank you and god bless you and your practice team.
Kevin Lessani - Dallas - USA
I greatly appreciate that your law firm is very careful in its preparation of petitions. In fact, the outcome of a legal fight greatly depends on how effectively a law firm has presented its case. If it fails to conceive in advance as to what it will have to face in defense, it can not prepare an effective petition. I admire that ZAFAR & ASSOCIATES - LLP are very careful in their initial step i.e. to prepare petition, around which the whole legal battle is fought.
M. Iftikhar Sheikh ~ Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
