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What Is Apostille?

An apostille is a certification that a document is genuine.

An apostille can only be issued for public documents. The purpose of the apostille process is to make sure that foreign countries will recognize public documents as valid and authentic. Document legalization services can help you obtain an apostille quickly and hassle-free.

What is an Apostille?

An apostille is a certificate that is issued by the Secretary of State in the U.S. state where the document was notarized or issued. The certificate is placed on the top-right corner of the document, and has a sticker with an image (often a seal or an eagle) that shows which country it was issued by.

Apostilles are used to certify documents for legal purposes in countries that have signed off on an international treaty called the Apostille Convention, including almost every country in Europe and Central America as well as South Africa, Nigeria, Georgia and others. By placing this seal on your documents, you can use them abroad without worrying about whether they’ll be accepted or not – making life easier for you!

How To Get an Apostille?

The process for getting an apostille varies from country to country, state to state, but the most common way is to go to your local government office and request it. So, if you need an apostille in Houston, Texas, you will need to bring your original document, which must be authenticated by someone who has power of attorney or other legal authority, and provide proof of your identity. It is best to hire one of reputable apostille Houston services to help you get your documents apostilled that doing it yourself.

International Patents

With increasing globalization and increased worldwide commerce through the Internet, international protection for intellectual property is becoming increasingly more important.

For many individual inventors, however, the cost of a U.S. patent alone is already staggering. Consequently, the significant expense of filing foreign patents may be less likely to be considered. Also, because of the assortment of legal standards in different parts of the world, political instability, or differences in enforcement capabilities, some will undoubtedly question the value of certain foreign patents. There is some merit to this line of thought. After all, how valuable is a patent from a nation in civil war? Or that has nominal damages available? Each country should be considered individually.

A U.S. Patent standing alone is still extremely valuable, inasmuch as the U.S. market is a primary market and control of U.S. markets can be used to influence or negotiate foreign markets. Nevertheless, inventors should consider foreign markets and weigh whether foreign patents are obtainable and worth the cost. Depending on the particular invention, foreign markets may be very valuable as described in this article – patent my invention through InventHelp.

The PCT is commonly misunderstood as an “international patent.” Unfortunately, no such patent is currently available. Instead, a PCT application is more of a procedure that that allows inventors to delay the times required for filing foreign patent applications, each of which will typically cost at least as much as the U.S. patent application. The PCT application has an “international stage” and a “national stage.” During the international stage, a PCT international stage application must be filed in an International Filing Office, one of which is the United States Patent Office. The PCT application must be filed within 1 year of the U.S. filing date, or at least before sale or publication. In the international stage, the applicant can designate those countries in which foreign protection will be sought.

In most cases, thirty (30) months after the PCT filing date, the PCT application goes into a “national stage,” where the application is sent to each of the designated countries, where translation and local filing fees are assessed. This is where foreign patents get to be the most expensive. Each country can cost as much, if not more than the U.S. application. Some countries charge annual fees on top of initial filing and translation fees as explained on how to get a patent with InventHelp.

Separate and apart from the PCT procedures, foreign patents can be obtained on a country-by-country basis if there is a particular country where a strong market presence is anticipated. This may be a desirable strategy for inventors to consider from the outset, particularly if protection is only sought in specific countries.

Essential Tips on Patent Cost

There are people who are blessed with great thinking capacity that assist them to come up with either absolutely new ideas or improved application on already existent information. In such a case, these people are entitled to earn from this technology that they bring in. At the same time, there are imposters who are always waiting for chances to appear that they can grab other people’s idea and use them as their money blueprint. In all countries, there are patent laws that do create limitations of use of individual invention. There are some fees that are charged in regard to application of patent protection. Here are some tips on patent costs.

The first patent cost that are met is the fees for researching if ever there are other people who have filed patent of the similar kind to the one you are filing. This step is important as it will ensure that you are not infringing into the copyrights of others. There are several websites that are involved in searching patent files on the internet for a fee. This will ensure that the search is done fast and conveniently.

Determine patent services cost. These services are offered by lawyers and agencies such as InventHelp. Hiring patent services InventHelp to help in the conquest of filing can increase the overhead filing cost by large amounts since these professionals are expensive to hire.

There are some people who prefer not to hire attorneys. This can substantially lower the costs involved for patenting. However, these people are supposed to be very experienced in this process since there is delicate patent information that is supposed to be filled accurately to avoid avoiding leaving loopholes for scammers. If the document that you fill is inaccurate, it is often sent back for revision. This can increase your costs greatly since you will have to pay again for the document after it is disapproved. To lower the patent cost, you should hire agents who are experienced in the process of patenting. These agents will follow up and help in doing the necessary amendments that are required for the document to be passé easily without having to revise severally.

The patent searching fees does cost between 100-200 dollars. This fee is flexible. It can also be more if you hire the services of attorneys who are expensive. There are also filing fees that are charged after the patent application succeeds. They are either paid on monthly or yearly basis. These fees are meant to ensure that the patent will be well guarded for a period of about 17 years.

Since there are many determinant factors of total patent cost, it is advisable that applicants prepare a substantial amount if ever they are expecting to succeed.

Some of the major factors that do determine the cost of the patent are like the complexity of the innovation. Agents and patent filing system will require big cash. In most cases, lawyers do charge above $10,000 for filing patents. Nonetheless, there are other cases that the agencies, like InventHelp, will ask less depending on the level of complexity.

The Patentability Opinion

After performing a patent search, your patent attorney will generally prepare a “Patentability Opinion”. The purpose of this opinion is to show the differences between your invention and the patents found in your search.

A “Patentability Opinion” should help you determine whether or not to proceed with the filing of a patent application. For example, if your invention has only minor improvements that could easily be designed around by a competitor, then it may not be worthwhile to patent your invention. On the other hand, if the key aspect of your invention is not shown in any of the patents found, you would probably want to patent your invention. You can always consult with patent agencies, such as Invent Help, if you need guidance.

InventHelp Caveman Video

InventHelp has a great explainer video called Inventhelp caveman. You can find the InventHelp caveman video on Youtube as well.

Summary of Your Invention

The first section of a “Patentability Opinion”, will describe each of the features or elements of your invention. Each prior art patent found in your patent search will be reviewed against these features.

References Found In Search

The next section will list the patents that were found as a result of the search. Generally, each patent will be listed with its patent number, inventor(s), and the date that the patent issued.

Relevant Law

The opinion of your patent attorney, as to whether or not your invention is patentable, will be based on the application of patent laws to your invention.

There are three main things that this section will tell you. First, that in order to be patentable your invention must be “novel”, meaning that if another patent shows all of the elements of your invention, you will not be able to receive a patent.

Second, in order to be patentable your invention must be “non-obvious”. This means that, even though no single patent shows your invention, your invention still may not be patentable if it would have been obvious to combine the elements of two or more different patents together to arrive at your invention.

The third thing that this section does is provides a disclaimer. Although a patent search has been performed, there may still be other patents or other forms of prior art that exist. One such reason is that patents are prosecuted in secret, meaning that some references are literally not available during the course of a patent search that may later prevent you from obtaining a patent.

Discussion of Prior Art

In this section, each patent is discussed with reference to your invention. The features of your invention are compared to those shown in the patent. A statement will be made as to which features of your invention are shown in the patent, and which features are not shown in the patent. This analysis is performed for each patent individually.

Rendering Of Opinion

Once the prior art has been discussed, the opinion as to the patentability of your invention will be rendered. If your invention has a particular feature that was not shown in any of the patents, then your invention is likely to be patentable. If more than one patent must be combined to show all of the features of your invention, then your invention may be patentable, but the scope of your patent may be limited to certain aspects or features. If there is one patent that shows all of the features of your invention, then your invention is probably not patentable.

After you have received your “Patentability Opinion” it is important to note that the opinion is based on the particular features of your invention described in the opinion. If you have alternative features that were not considered in your opinion, it may be to your advantage to have a separate opinion drafted.

The laws as they apply to patents are complex. After reviewing your “Patentability Opinion” you should make sure to discuss the results with your patent attorney or patent agency like InventHelp – read more about InventHelp on KansasCityMag. Regardless of whether the opinion was favorable, it is to your advantage to make sure that you fully understand the basis and reasoning for the opinion before making the decision to file a patent application.

How To File For A Patent

You can file for a patent by yourself. And filing for a provisional patent is easy, using the prepared forms and filling them in is a task that even a layman can do. But once you have filed for your provisional patent, it’s smart to allow a patent lawyer or a patent agency to provide help for your new invention idea.

Forms that Must Be Used When Filing For A Patent

The first document in a Patent Application must be the Utility Patent Application Transmittal Form or Transmittal Letter.

A Utility Patent Application Transmittal Form, also called a Transmittal Letter must be filed with every patent application to instruct the USPTO as to what actual types of papers are being filed (e.g., detailed specification, all patent claims, the accompanying drawings, the patent declaration and an information disclosure statement).

The Utility Patent Application Transmittal Form identifies the name of the patent applicant, the type of patent application, the title of the invention, the contents of the application, and any accompanying enclosures.

Deadlines For Patent Filing

New inventors often miss deadlines, because they are not fully aware of patent laws. There are legal delays within which a patent must be filed:

To ensure that inventors promptly file their patent applications, the U.S. patent law, requires that a filing be made within one year of the date an invention is placed in public use or on sale in the U.S.

This is just one more reason why choosing a patent agency, like InventHelp, or a patent lawyer from the start of your filing process is a good idea.

The Hardships of Real Estate Litigation

Are you involved in a real estate litigation battle? If you buy, sell or own Vancouver real estate it is advisable to consult with a Vancouver real estate attorney for contract, litigation or property decisions.

Real Estate Conflicts And Their Complications

Real property conflicts can be complicated and usually involve multiple parties. Disputes often result in financial hardship or cause a series of other problems. Conflicts often arise with co-owners, neighbors, sellers, purchasers, or others.

A Real Estate Litigation can intervene to help those involved reach a resolution or to provide legal defense. If you are involved in a real estate related dispute in Vancouver, it is imperative that you have a lawyer on your side. A skilled Vancouver Litigation lawyer can help protect your interests in court.

Real estate litigation cases range from simple real estate transactions gone awry to complex litigation cases involving large commercial properties. Real estate litigation regularly deal with disputes and litigation involving: loan workouts, foreclosure, distressed real estate, contractor and construction contracts, declaratory judgment actions, construction litigation, residential and commercial lease disputes, constructive trusts, problems at closing, and breach of contract.

Whether your real estate conflict is the result of a breach of contract, problems at closing or other matter, it’s in your best interests to contact a real estate litigation lawyer that has great expertise in this area. Real estate litigation lawyers look for solutions to the disputes, but sometimes it is necessary to take the matter to court. When litigation is inevitable, you need a competent Real Estate Litigation lawyer in order to achieve the results you desire.

When looking for a lawyer, it is important that you find a Real Estate Litigation lawyer with many years of experience in both civil litigation and commercial and has a proven record of negotiated outcomes and courtroom victories. A good real estate litigation lawyer is dedicated to representing their clients’ legal interests in negotiations and trials.

Find A Good Real Estate Lawyer

Many people will need the services of a lawyer at some period in their lives. The need may arise from matters ranging from a traffic ticket to serious matters such as a divorce, personal injury, or criminal matter. With the proliferation of lawyers in modern society, the question becomes how does one find a real estate lawyer that will provide satisfactory representation.

The search would begin by asking friends or family, who have faced a similar situation, for the name of their attorney. By focusing on people who have had similar legal problems, the potential client will narrow the list of attorneys down to those who are hopefully experienced in the relevant area of law. Experience in the relevant area is a mandatory requirement for any attorney that is retained.

These friends or family should be thoroughly questioned regarding their experience with this lawyer and whether they would be willing to hire this lawyer again should the need arise. A list of all prospective lawyers would then be created.

A face to face meeting with the attorney would then follow. At this meeting, the client should explore the real estate attorney’s education and experience. How many similar real estate or subject removal BC cases has the attorney handled? Has the attorney earned any special recognition in this area of law or has the attorney published books or articles in this area of law? Such special achievements would reflect favorably on the attorney. This would also be the time to explore the nature of any disciplinary proceedings filed against the attorney.

The client would also inquire as to the amount of fees that the lawyer charges, if the case is not a contingency case. Are the fees reasonable taking into account the lawyer’s experience? The client may call other lawyers to compare fees. Lawyer referral services or a marketing directory can be a source of lawyers who can be contacted in order to determine reasonable fees in the client’s location for the same type of work.

The final piece of information which must be gathered is whether the client is comfortable with the attorney. There must be good chemistry between the attorney and the client or the relationship will be uncomfortable at the very least and at worst will deteriorate under the stress of representation.

Proper investigation, from locating the attorney to meeting the attorney, is crucial when attempting to find an real estate attorney that will provide proper representation. Such legwork will go a long way in helping the client find an attorney that will provide satisfactory services regardless of the outcome of the case.

How To Find A Good Construction Lawyer

If you are in need of a construction lawyer or any lawyer, it is important that you choose and use a competent lawyer. Though there are many law firms in Vancouver to choose from; don’t choose the first attorney you come across. There are some tips to consider to learn how to find a good lawyer.

The first thing you have to consider is not only the lawyer’s experience, but also if the lawyer is competent to fight in your area of litigation. This can be done while keeping your needs in mind. There is not point approaching a personal injury lawyer if you need help with tax laws nor is it feasible to hire a criminal lawyer if you need help with a divorce.

Once you know your needs, obviously the more experienced lawyer is a better option for you. also take a look at their track records for the number of settlements and cases they have won. No point in hiring a lawyer who can’t win a case for you.

It is okay to depend on referrals for how to find a good lawyer. However, be careful with recommendations, especially inter-firm recommendations. You have to make the final decision on which lawyer and law firm is the best choice for you.

Though big law firms are famous and have a bevy of lawyers to fight your case, you will not receive the same personal attention small law firms can provide you. So keep this point in mind while looking for the right lawyer.

It is important that you know how to find a good lawyer as it is the right lawyer who can understand your rights and responsibilities. They will be able to explain all the laws of the area you pursue, give honest and right advice on your course of action, give you information on deadlines and also ensure you receive all compensation for whatever loss and suffering you may have undergone.

In addition to this, the right and qualified construction lawyer BC will be patient enough to guide you throughout the legal proceedings. In the process, they will also be able to identify other aspects in your case that would induce possible litigation.

Once you find a few probable construction lawyers to approach to handle your case, before hiring them upfront, you have to approach them for a free consultation and evaluation of your case. Always discuss fees and payment schedule during this consultation, to avoid confusions later on, while handling your case.

If the lawyer refuses to give you a free consultation, you might as well forget the firm or lawyer, and move on to the next choice. If you are not comfortable with the lawyer, move on to the next as you are under no obligation to hire lawyers you are not comfortable with.

Though all this tips on how to find a good lawyer will take some time to cover, the amount of money and time you save with the services of a competent lawyer to handle your case makes all this worthwhile.

Why hire a family lawyer?

Prenuptial Agreements

Parties may write contracts, called pre-nuptial agreements to change the way property and things are divided at the end of a marriage. These agreements should be carefully prepared by a lawyer to ensure they are binding when they need to be binding.

Can I Get Reimbursed for Attorney’s Fees I’ve Incurred?

In Vancouver family law or divorce cases, the judge can award attorney’s fees to a person who could not otherwise afford a lawyer. The judge can also award attorney’s fees, payable by the other party, if the other party is misusing or abusing the court process by unreasonably delaying the process or by concealing or lying about information relevant to the case.

How Long Will It Take?

Terminating marital status so the client can re-marry or end a marriage takes a minimum of six months from the date a petition is served, answered, or the other party submits to the power of the court. Separating or dividing property, awarding child and spousal support, moving out, and other courts orders can be done in a matter of days or weeks.

Why hire a lawyer?

Family divorce lawyer Vancouver can counsel you and see you through this most difficult period in your life. He or she can guide you to the end of the process in the most direct, least painful way, and protect your interests in your children, your future income, support, and all of your property, assets and debts. If you think a lawyer is expensive, try doing your own divorce. You would not consider having a surgical operation without a medical doctor.

Creating a Purchase Contract with the Help of a Real Estate Attorney

Is it possible to create a purchase contract of real estate property on your own? It may be possible; however, it sure is not a wise idea. Without the advice and guidance of a competent real estate attorney, you run a gamut of risks – failing to protect your rights, missing important clauses, and so on.

What are the essential points to include in the contract? Your attorney is the best judge of this. However, here is a look at some important ones that you must not miss.

  • Purchase price of the property
  • Amount of down payment and the entity responsible
  • Escrow related details, if any
  • Closing date, time, and other details
  • Description of property with address
  • Details of inclusions and exclusions

  • Mortgage-contingency clause – giving the buyer to opt out if he fails to obtain the necessary loan
  • Inspection-contingency clause – giving the buyer the right to walk out of the deal if the home inspection turns unsatisfactory
  • Provision for good title and any restrictions on it
  • Responsibility for insurance until the closing date
  • Disclosures, as necessary under the federal and state laws
  • Closing costs related details

Your real estate lawyer Vancouver would know which provisions to include in this contract to protect your rights and maximize benefits. If you did not find an attorney before you signed a purchase contract, you need to include a lawyer-approval clause in it. This would give you the advantage of getting lawyer approval before you go ahead.