Maritime and Yachting Patents

Let The Patent Professor® help you protect your unique maritime innovations—call (954) 905-2245 today.

Hire a Maritime and Yachting Patent Attorney — The Patent Professor®

Have you developed an idea to enhance the safety or effectiveness of a piece of maritime equipment? Have you considered protecting your intellectual property by filing a patent? Whether you are an independent inventor or an employee in the marine industry, you understand the importance of innovation in this competitive field.

To ensure proper protection for your intellectual property, we highly encourage you to work with a trusted maritime patent law firm, such as The Patent Professor®. Our experienced team is renowned for simplifying the patent filing process and providing an unshakeable defense for your patent application.

Wise inventors in the marine industry patent their inventions for several reasons:

Seek Market Exclusivity — With a patent, you have complete control over your idea; no one can utilize, produce, or trade it without your explicit consent.
Increase Company Value — If you are a business owner in the maritime industry, seeking patents has the potential to enhance the value of your firm.
Generate Revenue — Developing your idea into a product has the potential to generate revenue, while selling or licensing the patent to other companies can also be a profitable option.
Attract Investors — If you’re a business owner looking for external funding, securing a patent can draw the attention of investors who can help propel your company to new heights.

If you are working for a company, the ownership of the patent might not be clear if you developed your idea using the organization’s time and resources. Recognize that your company might have a policy of sharing credit and profits. It is wise to seek legal counsel before taking any further steps to safeguard your rights and intellectual property.

Do You Need a Patent for Your Maritime Invention?

Patents can offer significant value and opportunities for inventors in the maritime and yachting industries by providing legal protection. If a competitor infringes on the patent, the patent holder can take legal action to stop the infringement and potentially receive damages. Failing to take timely action to secure a patent can represent a very expensive lost opportunity for lucrative financial gain and market positioning.

One of the primary benefits of a patent is that it grants the inventor exclusive rights to their invention for a certain period (typically 20 years from the filing date). This means the patent holder can prevent others from making, using, selling, or importing their patented invention without their permission.

These exclusive rights can lead to various profit opportunities.

The patent holder can choose to manufacture and sell the product themselves, which could lead to substantial profits if the product is successful in the market.
The patent holder can license the patent to another company. In this case, the licensee would pay the patent holder royalties, potentially providing a steady stream of income.

After your patents are secured through the appropriate patent applications and processes, you may choose to use them as a marketing tool to signal to investors, potential buyers, or other potential partners or collaborators that your company has a competitive advantage. Others are often more willing to collaborate with a patent holder, knowing that the patented technology is protected and cannot be used by competitors.

Categories of Innovations For Which You Might Seek Intellectual Property Protection for in the Maritime & Yachting Industry

In the United States, four classes of patents are recognized:

A Machine: an apparatus or device
A Manufacture: a manufactured article
A Composition of Matter: a combination of ingredients, such as chemicals
A Process: a method of doing something

If you believe your innovative maritime idea satisfies one of these four U.S. patent categories, then you should contact The Patent Professor® to discuss whether your invention is patentable. Our team guides clients in development of their ideas and provides coordinated services towards patenting for intellectual property protection and brand-building purposes. We aim to position you and your innovative business ventures such that state and federal courts would be on your side in the case of copycat opportunists entering the market with a variation on your idea.

We can assess whether your idea fits the criteria to qualify as a useful and “non-obvious” invention, and if it qualifies, we will guide you regarding steps for a Provisional Patent Application. Don’t neglect to discuss your idea with a boating & marine patent attorney before telling others about it. Protect your interests and request your free introductory call.

There are many niches in the marine industries where innovators may profitably assist others in making valuable advancements in their respective fields and manufacturing offerings:

Boat Model Features
Boat Building and Repair
Boat Building Supplies
Boat Coatings
Boat Hardware
Boating Deck Machinery
Boating Equipment
Boating Electronics
Boating Navigation
Boating Communication Technology
Boating Safety and Survival Equipment
Boating Propulsion and PowerBoat Transportation
Boating Lubricants
Boating Accessories
Sea Transportation for Logistics
Sea Transportation for Passengers
Boating Lifestyle and Passenger Experience
Boating Sensors and Detection Technology
Boating Radar and Thermal Camera Technologies
Boating Comfort and Lifestyle Innovations
Innovations for Yachting and Pleasure Boating
Boating Services and Service-Specific Tools
Innovations for Cruise Ships and Boating Tourism
Boating Technology for Fishing Industry
Boating Technology for Diving and Scuba Tourism
Subsea Technology
Naval Architecture
Marine Engineering
Boating Technology for Marine Zoology
Boating Technology for Marine Environmental Protection and Pollution Control
Border Protection
Navy and Coast Guard
Vessel Construction
Marine Cargo Storage
Maritime Engine Components
Steering for Boats
Ship Location Tracking
Marine Insurance Tracking
Boating Innovations for Maritime Insurance
Boating Innovations for Maritime Law

We can guide you regarding opportunities to protect your innovation in the above categories and many others. We can begin to assess patent options for your idea during our introductory call.

Recent Trends and Notable Stories Involving Advancements in the Yachting and Maritime Industry

From superyacht and pleasure craft design to eco-friendly fuel advancements and navigational tool improvements for vessels, maritime and yachting industry accomplishments often involve many new components, machinery, and agreements with inventors. Advancements tied to vessel construction, design, and ships out to sea make headlines, and innovations such as yours may help to fuel the next generation of big stories such as these:

Koru luxury superyacht owned by Jeff Bezos — Delivered in April 2023, the Koru is the second-largest sailing yacht in the world
Feadship’s yacht Obsidian — Use of HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil) as a biofuel to power generators
Sanlorenzo’s yacht Lammouche — Also experimenting with HVO as a biofuel
Lürssen’s superyacht Project Cosmos — The first superyacht fitted with fuel-cell technology

Note that in addition to patents, you may need to seek trademarks (for intellectual property concerns such as branding or logos) and/or copyrights (which may apply to unique designs and styles). At The Patent Professor® we can guide you regarding all facets of intellectual property for you and your business.

You Could Be Taking Steps to Protect and Profit from Your Inventions — As Many of Your Profitable Competitors Already Are

Many influential and profitable companies and inventors are already benefiting from patent protection. If you have a maritime innovation, securing a patent may provide you better positioning to work with and/or compete against organizations such as the following:

Garmin — GMR xHD3 series open-array radars
SiriusXM Marine — SiriusXM Marine Fish Mapping app for iOS and Android phones and tablets, overlaying ocean currents, historical data, and chart with bathymetry
Raymarine — Axiom 2 Pro with six-core processor & LightHouse 4 operating system
ACR Electronics — GlobalFix V5 advanced EPIRB has gained authorization by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and approval from the U.S. Coast Guard as a beacon used to facilitate and promote rapid rescue in emergency maritime situations.
Icom — M510BB and M410BB black box VHF marine radios working with CommandMic stations
Sionyx — Nightwave digital night-vision camera with Wi-Fi streaming to phone or tablet and USB connection capabilities
GOST — GNT-Evolution IDP hard-wired security package
Starlink — high-speed, low-latency broadband internet service with worldwide coverage, utilizing 3,660 SpaceX satellites now in orbit
Dinnteco — DDCE: patented electromagnetic-charge compensation device protecting to protect against atmospheric discharges and lightning strike damages
Furuno — TZtouchXL wide full-HD displays in TZT22X (22-inch) and TZT24X (24-inch) models
Shadow-Caster — SM-PWR6 digitally-controlled lighting switch and SCM-PD4CH four-position power-control module
AkzoNobel — Awlcraft 3000 topcoat in the Awlgrip yacht-coatings line featuring enhanced color technology using digital color-matching tools
Airmar — digital SmartFlex diesel-flow meters to work with Airmar SmartBoat modules and NMEA 200 network for data and multifunction displays
Marine Teknology — TEK invisible detection sensors for yachts, utilizing invisible sensors in the ceiling below the floor of areas to be controlled, for monitoring, lighting activation, and door opening features
Prebit GmbH — THOA portable wireless dim lamp, using dim2warm® technology with changing brightness, color, and warmth and wireless control by smart-home app for managing groups of serval lamps
Swiss Ocean Tech Ltd. — AnchorGuardian: a patented technology using intelligent data to recognize anchor drag and minimize risk of groundings, collisions, and environmental damage
Defenda Ltd. — FENDABOARD: a lightweight and foldable fender board alternative designed to protect in harsh berthing situations
BIO-UV Group — BIO-SEA L mini: compact UV BWTS not needing a cabinet, certified First Class Marine, USCG and IMO
7co textiles — 7innov vinyl with over 50% biobased raw materials: upholstery/headlining vinyl range
Headhunter, Inc. — Royal Flush toilets with Multitouch Control: with updated waterjet operation using battery-powered timer to power the toilet for up to 10 years, not using the ship’s power like conventional macerator toilets and reducing material cost and labor cost of a finished boat
PowerTech! Propellers — Seascour by PowerTech!/Hendry: Organic marine

The following are among notable companies delivering superyachts, mega yachts, and other shipbuilding projects:

Azimut-Benetti
Viking Yachts
Princess Yachts
Sunseeker
Aximut-Benetti
Senlorenzo
Feadship
Sunreef Yachts
Bilgin Yachts
The Italian Sea Group
Oceanco

These types of organizations may represent opportunities or competition for you as a marine industry innovator. A patent can serve to protect your interests and improve your marketability and competitive positioning.

Understanding Boat Patents: Boating Innovations are Patented, But Boat Models and Lines Generally are Not

Specific innovations incorporated into boats, such as unique hull designs, propulsion systems, or safety features, can be patented. For example, a boat comprising a central hull member with no flat surfaces below the waterline has been patented, as have methods and devices for delivering boat lines from a boat to a dock.

Designs of the topside of the boat, including sheer line, stem shape, and cross-deck structure to connect the hulls, can also be patented if they are novel and non-obvious. Note that an original vessel design must be embodied in an actual vessel. The law does not protect vessel designs that exist only in models, drawings, or representations.

However, boat models, boat lines, and boat types are generally not patented as a whole. This is because to qualify for a utility patent, the design or invention must be new, useful, and non-obvious. The Majority of boat designs and elements of boat designs do not meet these criteria, as they are often modifications or enhancements of existing designs.

While the boat models, boat lines, and boat types themselves may not be patented, the unique innovations incorporated into these boats that are manufactured and become available for sale on the market can be protected by patents. We are prepared to guide you regarding the steps to submit the appropriate patent applications.

USPTO Patent Protection Versus International Intellectual Property Protection

Maritime industry patents related to yachts and other marine vehicles can indeed be patented internationally, not just in the United States. Patents, however, are territorial rights, which means they are effective only within the country or region that granted the patent.

For instance, a patent granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) only protects the invention within the U.S. Similarly, patents granted by the European Patent Office (EPO) or the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) are only valid within Europe or China, respectively.

International patent protection can be sought through two main routes. The first is to file a patent application directly with each foreign patent office in the countries where protection is desired. The second route is to file an international patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

The PCT allows an inventor to file a single international patent application in one language with one patent office in order to simultaneously seek protection for an invention in up to 153 countries. However, it’s important to note that the PCT itself does not grant patents. After the PCT process, national or regional patent offices take over the examination process, and patents can then be granted by these offices.

If an inventor or innovator wishes to protect their ideas internationally regarding maritime industry patents, they may use the PCT route to streamline the initial filing process and delay the costs associated with applying in multiple countries in coordination with an intellectual property attorney familiar with international patent law to help navigate the complexities of the process. Our team at The Patent Professor® is prepared to guide you in these pursuits.

General Steps, Timeframes, and Timelines Pertinent to Maritime Patents

The process of applying for and securing a patent, whether in the maritime, yachting, or marine industry, involves several steps and can take a considerable amount of time. The following are among the steps you may be facing in seeking to secure a maritime patent:

Patent Search: Before filing a patent application, it’s often recommended to conduct a patent search to ensure that your invention is new and non-obvious. This could take a few weeks to a couple of months depending on the complexity of the invention and the comprehensiveness of the search.
Patent Application Preparation and Filing: Once you’ve conducted the patent search and determined that your invention is likely patentable, the next step is to prepare and file a patent application with the patent office (like the USPTO for the U.S.). This process can take a few weeks to a few months.
Patent Prosecution: After the patent application is filed, the patent office will conduct an examination of the application. This process is known as patent prosecution and can take between 18 months to 3 years. The length of this process can depend on the technical field of the invention, the workload of the patent office, and the issues raised during the examination.
National/Regional Phase Entry for PCT Applications: If you have filed an international patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), you have up to 30 months from the earliest claimed priority date to enter the national/regional phase in each country or region where you want to seek patent protection.

These timelines for patent applications are general estimates, and the actual time frame can vary significantly based on a variety of factors. It is therefore imperative to start the patenting process as early as possible. This urgency may be compounded by competitors or copycats who may seize upon your idea or otherwise race you to apply for a patent.

The patenting process is complex and lengthy, and it is wise to work with a professional team familiar with these processes. Our team can guide you through the process, help you avoid common pitfalls, and increase your chances of securing patent protection for your invention.

Learn Your Next Steps By Requesting an Analysis of Your Invention

For your invention to meet the necessary criteria for a patent, it must:

Exhibit novelty — Your innovation should introduce a feature or characteristic that doesn’t currently exist in any other creation. This can be a significant enhancement or an entirely new concept.
Be non-obvious — It is of key importance that your innovation cannot be deduced easily by an average person or someone in your field with basic skills.
Provide clear practical utility — You must explain in direct terms how your invention will be used and for what purpose(s).
Specific detailed description of your innovation — It is essential to describe your invention in adequate detail while striking the right balance between providing sufficient information and avoiding unnecessary complexity.

The team at The Patent Professor® has extensive experience navigating this process and can guide you through it effectively.

Why You Should Work with an Attorney When Seeking to Protect and Profit from Your Maritime Industry Invention

Without effective guidance, you face many pitfalls that many competing innovators in the Maritime & Yachting industry wisely avoid by enlisting the help of a knowledgeable patent attorney. You should work with The Patent Professor® when seeking protection for your invention(s) for the following reasons:

Familiarity, Experience, and Knowledge of Patenting Concerns — You have the option of navigating the patent filing process independently. However, it is important to note that this journey can be intricate, and a single misstep can have significant consequences. It is advisable to engage the services of a patent attorney who is deeply experienced in this field, such as The Patent Professor®, to strategically enhance your chances of success and safeguard your interests.
Streamline Your Process — Navigating the patent-filing process can involve many steps, spanning approximately two years from initiation to completion. Note that these approximate times can vary somewhat, depending on the project’s details. Entrusting the responsibility to a qualified patent attorney helps to ensure your accurate and timely filing. Missing a deadline can introduce delays that impede progress.
Avoid Wasteful and Costly Mistakes — Imagine having an incredible idea, such as a self-driving marine vehicle powered by Artificial Intelligence, which features groundbreaking technological innovations unmatched by anything currently available. Without a deep understanding of the patent filing process and regulations, there is a real danger of forfeiting your legal rights to this remarkable concept. Mitigate such risks by promptly coordinating with The Patent Professor® regarding your innovative maritime & yachting ideas.
Managing Coordination and Completion of Tasks and Projects — If you possess remarkable inventive skills but lack proficiency in project management, paperwork, writing, and research, it is possible to become overwhelmed and frustrated. Allow The Patent Professor® to handle the demanding tasks, freeing you to concentrate on your areas of familiarity.
Discover Whether Trade Secret Protection is Needed – It is often wise to take additional precautions for trade secret protection when your idea or invention is intricate and not easily reverse-engineered. Although there is no official filing procedure for this, consulting a maritime patent attorney can provide you with valuable insights on crafting non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements. This will add an extra layer of security to prevent your idea from being stolen.
Gain Perspective and Guidance — Experienced patent lawyers offer comprehensive guidance in various areas beyond mere paperwork filing! We’ll support you throughout the entire process, starting from determining the appropriate type of patent, coordinating timing, conducting thorough research on past patent filings to ensure the uniqueness of your idea, and much more. We’ll be here every step of the way, providing hopeful, informative, helpful, and caring assistance backed by our knowledge and experience.

The Patent Professor® makes intellectual property protection services accessible to both larger corporations and independent inventors holding advancements that could improve many people’s lives.

It is time to address several inquiries regarding your concept:

Is it possible to patent my idea?
Have similar ideas already been patented?
What are the costs and timeline of securing a patent?
What steps should I take to ensure the protection of my idea?
How should I proceed once my idea is safeguarded by a patent?

The Patent Professor® is here to guide you through every step to apply for and utilize a maritime patent for your innovation.

Take Your First Steps Towards a Patent for Your Maritime & Yachting Innovation — Request Your Free Introductory Call

By working with The Patent Professor®, you can ensure that your invention is commercially viable and safeguarded in patent prosecution cases concerning your maritime and yachting innovations. With deep knowledge in patent law, he will collaborate with you to refine your application before its submission and protect your creations throughout the effective term of your patent.

Once your invention has been approved for a patent, the patenting process is not complete. A maritime patent attorney can not only assist you in understanding the patent application process, but can also make it more efficient.

Being a distinguished intellectual property lawyer, The Patent Professor® understands the significance of your invention to you. He will guide you through the entire patenting process, protecting you against patent infringement. Additionally, he will support you in navigating inter partes reviews (IPRs), post-grant reviews (PGRs), and ex parte reexaminations, towards ensuring the longevity of your intellectual property rights.

Take the step now to fill out our online form and request your free introductory call — we will analyze your invention and discuss the opportunities and the prudent steps you should take to protect your innovative idea or product.

Put the Technical Background of The Patent Professor® to Work

John Rizvi is board-certified in Intellectual Property law, a distinction that is awarded to only a handful of
attorneys. With over 20 years of experience, you can count on The Patent Professor® to legally protect
your idea and help you make the most of it.

Whether you’ve got the idea for something that makes the iPhone look like a child’s toy or you’ve come up with a way to revolutionize project management software, we want to hear from you!