Have questions on how to file for a patent, trademark, or copyright? We would like to hear from you even if your project is not ready for submission. Don't risk losing rights by delaying! Our experienced patent attorneys help clients nationally and around the globe protect and patent their ideas and their business. We can help you whether you are an individual with a new idea or an established company with existing product lines so that you don't lose intellectual property rights to your inventions and creations. Send us a message below to set up a free consultation or to ask us a question on how to patent, trademark or copyright your idea.

• A free initial consultation to determine your needs and goals*
• Experienced, registered patent attorneys, each holding engineering degrees to help understand and appreciate the merits of your invention
• Balanced, personalized legal strategies tailored to your business goals with consideration for your financial requirements
• Options clearly and candidly explained prior to project initiation
• Fixed price quotes in advance for many types of projects to avoid billing surprises after the fact
• Friendly, one-on-one personal service to clients, with professional attention to detail in all matters
• Strategic use of e-mail, telephones and faxes to effectively confer and communicate with clients when in-person meetings are not practical
• All the advantages and flexibility of a small firm atmosphere, while providing the comprehensive technology and legal depth of a larger firm
• Located near the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in Old Towne, Alexandria, Virginia to efficiently and effectively represent clients throughout the U.S. and world before the USPTO

MBV is a small ("boutique") law firm comprised of highly experienced, registered patent attorneys serving clients throughout the U.S. and around the world. Each patent attorney all has an engineering degree, is a former patent examiner, and has worked in the patent field for at least 20 years. While our experience allows us to work some of the most complex projects, as a small business oursevles, we also enjoy working with individuals and small to mid-size businesses. We help our clients to establish and maintain appropriate, personally tailored intellectual property strategies to complement the growh of their businesses while educating clients how to protect their ideas and inventions and the advantages and limitations of intellectual property.

(Click on a name to see an Attorney's biography and full contact info)

Merek, Blackmon &Voorhees, LLC
673 S. Washington St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.684.5633
(fax) 703.684.5637

"Mr. Blackmon took the time to discuss options and made good recommendations. He always provided estimates of the cost of work and has consistently met or been under them. I would highly recommend him for both Patent and Trademark work."
Bill Cumbie, Hampton, VA

"I am just getting started. How do I patent my idea? How long do I have to file a patent application?" See our "Patent Guidelines and Timeline" or send our Free Help Desk a general question about patenting your invention. Or see the Patent Office self-service guide "How to Apply for a Patent."

"How much does it cost to get a patent?" Costs can vary widely depending on the complexity of the technology and whether the invention is very unique or a slight improvement over other technologies. However, in most cases, we can offer advanced, fixed prices for applications and each additional step along the way to avoid suprises. Contact us for a free quote.

"I have a great idea and want to know if my idea can be patented." A patent search is a great way to find out if your idea is new and patentable. Check out our Index of self-service patent search sites or contact us to determine the next step that is best for you. To find if your invention, such as COMPUTER SOFTWARE, can be patented see the Patent Office guide to What can be Patented or contact our Help Desk.

"I want to file a patent application. How do I file for a patent on an idea/invention?" Our patent attorneys all have experience as former Patent Examiners and are ready to help you with your "how to" questions. Contact us with general questions on patent prosecution. Or submit an Invention Disclosure Form for a quote for applying for a patent, whether by filing a provisional, utility, design or PCT application. For a how-to guideline, see the PTO's Patent Application Guide.

"I have already filed my own application, and I received an office action. How do I respond to the Patent Office?" See our "About Patents" description of the flow of applications through the Patent Office or contact us for a quote to prepare an amendment/response to the Patent Office or to conduct an in-person interview with the Examiner. Want to respond on your own? See PTO Office Action Responses.

"My patent application was published ("Pre-Grant Publication") and is now a patent. How do I look for companies to manufacture my invention or to sell my patent idea to? What are my options for selling my patent or getting royalties for licensing?" The Thomas Register is a database of manufacturers and suppliers that may provide you with a good place to start. As you proceed, our patent attorneys can help you with your continuing legal needs from preparing a royalty agreement to litigation to assignment.

               Learn More about Patents     

"I need to protect my company name. Can I reserve a trademark / name for our product?" See our Trademark Guides or send our Free Help Desk a question.

"How do I apply for a trademark or servicemark to protect the name of my company or product?" Conducting a trademark search or filing a trademark application are typical ways to start the process towards protecting your valuable investment in a logo, slogan or business name. See the U.S. Trademark Office's Trademark Search page or contact our attorneys to find out about these and other trademark services.

               Learn More about Trademarks  

"I need to protect my software, work of art, sound recording, publication, etc." Copyrights can be used to protect artistic expressions from sound recording to sculptures to books to building designs to computer programs. See the Copyright Office Guide to Copyrights or contact us to find out if your works are eligible for protection. Our attorneys can help you protect your intellectual property rights in your works.

"Will I own software or other works that I hire someone else to create?" See the Copyright Office Guide to Works for Hire. Our attorneys can help you protect intellectual property rights in your works whether they are created by you or by someone else. Avoid confusion over "works for hire" by contacting us before you engage/contract someone so that your rights can be protected.             

Learn More about Copyrights