How to Find a Patent Lawyer: Everything You Need to Know
The
last thing you want would be to see someone else taking the credit for your
invention and hardship. A patent protects your creation or innovation from
others who intend to use, copy, or sell it.
Eric Thole advises hiring a patent lawyer as they have specialized
qualifications to represent you in obtaining patents, as well as any legal
suits that may arise.
What Is A Patent Lawyer and Why You Need Them?
Before you dive into the information of finding a patent lawyer, understand first who they are. A patent lawyer is an attorney with specialized knowledge about patent law. They help you through the process of having your invention patented. Eric Thole, attorney at law, highlights things can go wrong last minute, even if you have attended many seminars and workshops to understand patent law. A poorly drafted patent application can ruin all your efforts, wasting valuable time.
Patent
lawyers have years of training and know the law inside out. They can assist you
with your provisional or non-provisional patent application and make the entire
process go smoothly. Eric Thole
advises you to use a patent lawyer for drafting your applications to increase
your chances of receiving protection.
How to Find A Patent Lawyer
Eric Thole instructs not to hire any patent lawyer based simply on
a whim, recommendation, or an advertisement online. Here are some crucial steps
to find a patent lawyer
1) Do Your Research
Before
hiring a patent lawyer, search the US Patents and Trademark Office (USPTO) website to identify other similarly situated inventions like
yours with patent. It saves your money from paying costly legal fees to patent
a similar product already patented.
2) Know Where to Search
Search reliable sites like Lawyers.com with parameters setting for patent lawyers. Eric Thole, attorney at law, recommends going with those patent attorneys who know your kind of invention.
Prepare
a list of qualified patent attorneys for consideration and Google them online.
Look for publications, reputable articles, etc., to know more about each of
their qualifications. Additionally, call your state bar association to check
their background and know whether they remain in good standing or not.
3) Use Referrals
Apart
from an online search, you can ask your friends and family for referrals about
attorneys specializing in this area. EricThole advises you to also reach out to other inventors for it.
4) Conduct Preliminary Interviews
After
doing the background check, narrow down the attorneys matching your
requirements. Conduct preliminary interviews with each of them to learn about
their qualifications and costs. EricThole advises you to ask for their legal cost upfront and take it in
writing to avoid unforeseen fees in the future. When you meet, ask them about
past patent applications, whether they have specific knowledge of your
invention, and what they think of it.
5) Do Not Restrict Yourself To a Specific Physical Location
Patent
law is federal; therefore, the legal fees would be higher in major cities than
smaller ones. In today’s day and age, you can meet your attorney through
several communication methods, including the phone, Skype, e-mail, Facetime,
and other virtual face-to-face interactions without being in the same room. So,
instead of restricting yourself, you can now work with a patent attorney
anywhere in the US.
Conclusion
You can also use social media to find a patent lawyer. Eric Thole conveys if you approach any reputed patent attorney, they will agree to meet you and provide an opinion on the likelihood of your patent application success. However, if an attorney doesn't provide you with such information without asking for money upfront, then it is better you look for others.
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