The Framers of the Constitution believed that a patent system was a highly important function for the national Government, and the right to issue patents was granted to Congress by the Constitution. The first United States patent, was issued in 1790. Since then, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued over seven million patents. There are several kinds of patents: Utility patents for new and useful products and methods, Design patents for ornamental designs of useful products, and Plant patents for new plant varieties.   What We Do Obtaining a patent is a complex process that is greatly simplified with the assistance of an experienced professional.  Our lawyers have prepared hundreds of patent applications on all kinds of inventions ranging from toys to aircraft engines.  At Trego, Hines & Ladenheim, we pride ourselves on guiding our clients through the complex process of prosecution and on providing high-quality patent services at reasonable rates. Examples of our patent services include:   Patentability searches and opinions Nondisclosure and patent licensing agreements Enforcement and litigation of patents Patent  portfolio management Preparation, filing, and prosecution of patent applications Patent clearance/freedom-to-practice analysis Current awareness/competitor IP monitoring International & foreign IP filing and prosecution through foreign associates