Deter vs. Enforce Enforcing patent rights costs more than going on a unicorn finding expedition. There is real value in having a good patent and consequently also in having a good patent application that could lead to a patent. Enforcing your patent rights is costly and another matter in itself, but the Patent Pending stamp acts as a deterrent to would be infringers, so it's good to get that early filing date and stamp away.

In the event the stamp does not scare away copycats, there are law firms that work on a contingency basis (no win, no money). Taking your case will depend on the strength of your patent, how well its written and whether or not they think its enforceable. Remember, you cant enforce a patent application because no patent has issued yet, so you will have to defer enforcement at a later date when your patent is granted. You could now, however, send the copycats a letter indicating that a patent could issue on your provisional patent application, just to put the cats on notice! Get Patent Pending Today! Legal told me to include this: The intellectual property information that we provide does not constitute legal advice. We are not intellectual property lawyers nor are we a law firm, consequently we do not provide legal advice. No attorney-client or confidential relationship exists or will be formed between you and Youvention nor any of our company members. The accuracy, completeness, adequacy or currency of the content is not warranted or guaranteed. We recommend you consult a lawyer if you want legal advice.