About Underwood & Associates

Underwood & Associates was formed in 2007 to provide quality patent preparation, filing, and litigation-support services at fair, predictable rates. We practice patents exclusively. We do not handle trademarks, copyrights, or other areas of law, and that focus shows in the work.

Our services include drafting and prosecuting U.S. and international patent applications, patentability searches and opinions, scientific consulting, document review, and litigation support. Our practitioners and scientists work across all technical subject matter, from straightforward mechanical devices to advanced software, chemistry, physics, medical devices, and materials.

How we work

Predictable cost. No one enjoys a surprise invoice. We state our rates and billing practices up front, and where we offer flat rates, the number is the number. Clients consistently tell us this is why they stay.

Quality. Strong scientific backgrounds let us represent clients in a wide range of technologies, and we devote the time each application deserves. A patent is only as strong as its drafting.

Client service. Your patent counsel should be reachable and responsive. If you are new to the patent process, we explain the procedure and the law in plain language so you understand what is happening and why. When something urgent comes up, we act on it.

Is my idea patentable?

We hear this question every day. Answering it means testing four elements under U.S. law: whether the invention is novel, whether it is non-obvious, whether it has utility, and whether it is patent-eligible subject matter. The practical first step is a patentability search: a thorough look through patent databases, journals, catalogs, and other public sources for anything that might affect your rights, followed by our written opinion. From there we work with you on a filing strategy that fits your goals and your budget.