Do you need to get US provisional patent for your new invention? Well, you should know that the process of applying and getting approved for one is very complex. Thats why it’s recommended to get a patent attorney to help you with the application. However, with the correct guidance, you may be able to get a US provisional patent on your own. Here are some useful tips to do this.
Qualifications
First, all patent attorneys need to be experts in the law governing intellectual property. Here, the attorney should understand all the rules about protecting, applying and securing the rights of an inventor to his/her invention. Also, the attorneys should have passed their bar exam in their particular state. Secondly, they should have passed the patent bar exam that allows them to represent inventors before the patenting office.
It’s also prudent to choose an attorney who is an expert or understands various technical areas thus making it effortless to comprehend new inventions in that niche. On that note, some patent attorneys have a bachelors degree in an engineering field or another technical field. Besides passing the states bar exam, the attorney shouldnt have any disciplinary cases on his/her file.
The attorney should also have a valid license to practice patenting law. Currently, the USPTO offers an attorney search page where a new inventor can find the best attorneys in his/her area who can provide any legal help required with the patent application process. Don’t forget to choose an attorney who has a few years of experience in his/her patent law career.
Its a good idea to find an attorney who is very knowledgeable in the particular niche in which your invention falls under. For instance, if you have a software invention, it’s prudent to find an attorney who is a computer engineering expert as well as the particular niche of your software invention.
Is It Worth It To Hire A Patent Attorney?
Note that, applying for a patent is very expensive especially if youre working with a lawyer. However, you can always save money by considering hiring a less qualified or experienced attorney for the job. On that note, you can look for a patent attorney based in the suburb or smaller town.
That’s because most law firms in the city will charge you a higher rate than a small town attorney. It’s not mandatory to hire a patent attorney who is close to you geographically. You can always communicate through the phone or email and exchange all the relevant documents needed for the application process online. An attorney who offers a free first-time consultation is also an excellent choice.
Of course, you can always forego the whole idea of hiring an attorney and file the patent on your own. However, that can only work if you have the necessary skill set to apply for the patent and guarantee automatic approval. It can only work if you adhere to all the rules and regulations set out by the patenting office.
