INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ATTORNEY AUSTIN TX
Austin's tech and creative economy generates significant intellectual property — software, inventions, brands, creative works, and trade secrets. Proper IP protection requires proactive strategy: filing patents before public disclosure, registering trademarks before competitors, and protecting trade secrets through agreements and security. Our Austin IP attorneys serve startups, established businesses, and individual inventors.
What We Can Help You With
Patent prosecution
Utility, design, and provisional patent applications before the USPTO
Trademark registration
Federal trademark registration and maintenance for Austin brands
Copyright registration
Registration and enforcement of copyright for creative works, software, and content
Trade secret protection
NDAs, confidentiality programs, and trade secret litigation under the Texas Uniform Trade Secrets Act
IP licensing
Drafting and negotiating technology and IP licensing agreements
IP litigation
Infringement claims and defense in federal court — the Western District of Texas is a major patent venue
Frequently Asked Questions
What IP protection does my software startup need?▾
Copyright protects source code automatically. Trade secret law protects confidential algorithms and methods through NDAs and security measures. Utility patents protect novel software-implemented inventions. Trademarks protect your brand name and logo.
When should I file a patent application?▾
Before any public disclosure, sale, or public use. The U.S. has a one-year grace period after your own disclosure, but international rights are lost immediately upon public disclosure. File a provisional application early to establish priority.
Is the Western District of Texas a good patent venue?▾
The Waco Division of the Western District of Texas has become one of the most active patent litigation venues in the country. Understanding local rules and judicial preferences is critical for IP litigation in Austin and West Texas.
How long does trademark registration take?▾
USPTO trademark registration typically takes 10–14 months from filing to registration. An attorney monitors the application, responds to office actions, and opposes conflicting marks filed by others.