At Pate Pierce & Baird, we are registered patent attorneys specializing in intellectual property law, including litigation of intellectual property disputes. Intellectual property or "IP" includes preparation and prosecution of applications for patents, trademarks, and copyrights. It provides enforcement of trade secrets, protection against unfair competition, negotiating licensing, and franchising compliance. Technologies range from manufacturing, to software, computer law, biotechnology, medical devices, chemicals, and electronics.

LITIGATION
While no one would let a dermatologist perform heart surgery, some assume any commercial litigator can handle their patent suit. Many people do not realize that patent attorneys are one of only two recognized legal specialists (the other being maritime attorneys). The unique issues of patent procedure and our specialized knowledge of science and engineering set us apart, even requiring a national admission exam (i.e., patent bar) in addition to the state bar exam for attorneys.

We work hard at litigation. First, we advise how to prudently avoid it. We have significant experience in counseling in legal and business issues. We are also experienced in negotiation and alternative dispute resolution. When required, we diligently pursue litigation in the courts.

In patent litigation, we consistently see the benefits resulting from our knowledge and experience in writing and negotiating (i.e., prosecuting) patents. Sometimes we file suit; sometimes we defend. In each situation, our specialized knowledge and expertise are effective tools for obtaining favorable results.

PATENTS
We are firm believers in patents. We know of no protection for an idea alone. By itself, an idea is neither protectable nor valuable. It can be lost, but not owned. It can be given away, but not sold. After all, who buys what is free? By navigating technology, business, and the law, we convert our clients' creativity, innovation, and technology into patents that can be owned. Once owned, these patents may be leveraged for market advantage.

We regularly apply years of technical and legal training and experience in protecting our clients' inventions. We have obtained patent protection for our clients in a wide range of technologies. The following are a few selected samples written or prosecuted by the attorneys of Pate Pierce & Baird:

1. Software Patent Samples
   1. U.S. Patent No. 5,974,548- MEDIA-INDEPENDENT DOCUMENT SECURITY METHOD AND APPARATUS
   2. U.S. Patent No. 5,983,002- DEFECTIVE FLOPPY DISKETTE CONTROLLER DETECTION APPARATUS AND METHODS
      
      
2. Electrical Patent Samples
   1. U.S. Patent No. 5,359,257- BALLISTIC ELECTRON, SOLID STATE CATHODE
   2. U.S. Patent No. 5,572,528- MOBILE NETWORKING METHOD AND APPARATUS
      
      
3. Mechanical Patent Samples
   1. U.S. Patent No. 5,304,036- AUTOGYRO AIRCRAFT
   2. U.S. Patent No. 6,179,245- CORRUGATED FRACTURE-CONTROLLING FLANGES FOR SPOOLS AND REELS
      
      
4. Chemical Patent Samples
   1. U.S. Patent No. 5,366,819- THERMALLY INTEGRATED REFORMER FOR SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELLS
   2. U.S. Patent No. 6,855,294- APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR EFFICIENT GENERATION OF CHLORINE DIOXIDE
      
      
5. Pharmaceutical/Nutraceutical Patent Samples
1. U.S. Patent No. 6,667,308- COMPOUNDS FOR USE AS ANTIDEPRESSANTS, APHRODISIACS AND ADJUNCTIVE THERAPIES IN HUMANS
2. U.S. Patent No. 6,933,123- PEPTIDES FROM THE E2, E6 AND 37 PROTEINS OF HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUSES 16 AND 18 FOR DETECTING AND/OR DIAGNOSING CERVICAL AND OTHER HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS ASSOCIATED CANCER