As in other legal jurisdictions, a United States patent grants its holder an exclusionary right. This right excludes others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling the invention in the United States or importing the invention into the United States. A United States patent does not grant a positive right to use. Third party patents can, therefore, exist which preclude a use despite the existence of an issued United States patent. It is therefore important to clarify the patent landscape by conducting a patent search before filing for United States patent protection.

A trademark identifies and distinguishes the source of a person’s or a company’s products from those of another entity. A trademark can include any word, name, symbol (such as a logo), device, sound, color, form or pattern, or any combination thereof, used, or intended to be used, in commerce in the United States.

Dr. Thot garnered extensive M & A experience while working at two Düsseldorf law firms. This experience was reinforced and fortified during his tenure at two Leverkusen-based chemical companies and during his practice with two United State patent law firms. Dr. Thot therefore possesses extensive expertise in drafting and negotiating intellectual property contracts as well as in corporate restructuring and portfolio measures.