In simple words, patents are the rights granted to a person or an organization which prohibits others from using, making or selling the invention. The need for patent was felt because the inventor of new things were required to be duly compensated and given the opportunity to reap the benefits of their inventions for a specified period of time. The patents are of different types and these are broadly classified as product or process patents. The product patents are the rights granted on the products as such and not on the mechanism through which these have been invented. Whereas, the process patent gives the right on the mechanisms or processes used to create the product. In effect, this means that the same product created using some other process will not attract the provisions of the patent law. A patent attorney deals with disputes arising out of infringement of copyright and patents provisions and also guides the patent applicants on the various aspects of state, federal and international laws.

In the US, three types of patents are recognized and granted. These are patents on designs, utility and plant. It is important to know that the patents are not granted on ideas or wishes but on a clearly defined subject matter. The patent-ability covers everything that is made by man and excludes the natural phenomenon and laws of nature. So, this makes even the computer software patentable commodity. And, you have even the specialized software patent attorney working zealously for the software developers−doing documentation for filing of patents and handling disputes with competitors and others.

At an international level, the patent issues are handled by the World Trade Organization. Its signatory countries are required to adhere to the international patent laws and honor the patent applications filed anywhere in the member countries. Highly skilled and experienced patent attorney dealing in issues at international level regularly handle the patent and copyright related disputes between countries.

It is important to differentiate between the role of patents agent and patents attorney. The latter possess a degree in law, represent the client in the court and are also required to pass a test on patent law. They can be found by doing some internet research through the individual sites as well as directories. In most of these directories, they are categorized on the basis of city or state. You can also seek the list of the State Bar associations for the patent attorney. It is desirable that the services of a registered patent attorney are availed.