Resolve a Patent Dispute

Patent disputes can arise in many forms, from disagreements with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) over an application, to challenges against an issued patent’s validity, or efforts to block a competitor’s patent before it ever issues. These conflicts can be complex, but we help make the process clearer and more manageable.

At Larson & Larson, we represent both patent owners and challengers in disputes before the USPTO and in federal courts nationwide. Our team combines decades of prosecution and litigation experience to defend your rights or contest the claims of others.

What’s Included in Our Patent Dispute Services

We assist clients in a wide range of disputes, including:

• Patent Office Appeals (PTAB) – If you can’t reach an agreement with a patent examiner, we prepare and file appeal briefs before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). Our legal training and experience ensure your arguments are well-positioned for review.
• Inter Partes Review (IPR) – An IPR allows a party to challenge the validity of an issued patent at the USPTO. These proceedings are faster and less costly than federal court litigation, but still highly technical. We guide clients through petitions, responses, and hearings before the PTAB.
• Third-Party Preissuance Submissions – A way to challenge a competitor’s pending patent application by sending relevant information to the USPTO before the patent is officially granted. This information, called “prior art,” shows that the invention (or something very similar) already exists. It’s often a faster and more cost-effective way to prevent a competitor from getting an overly broad patent that could limit your business options.
• Other Patent Challenges and Defenses – We advise on ownership disputes, licensing disagreements, and validity challenges raised in court, tailoring strategies to your business objectives.

What to Expect

The right approach depends on the nature of the dispute:

• Administrative proceedings (appeals, IPR, or preissuance submissions) often move more quickly and can reduce litigation risks.
• Federal litigation is sometimes necessary to fully resolve a dispute, especially where damages or injunctions are at stake.

Because each case is unique, we provide a detailed assessment of your options, including potential costs and timelines, before moving forward. Our goal is always to protect your rights while finding the most practical and cost-effective resolution.