How to Hire a Patent Attorney

If you have an invention and want to obtain a patent, it is a good idea to seek the assistance of an experienced patent attorney. Patent law is a specialized field of law and requires an attorney with experience in intellectual property matters. Here are some tips to help you hire a patent attorney that meets your needs.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Ask for a referral. Talk to any general practice attorneys you know to see if they can refer you to a patent attorney. Family and friends who have sought patents for inventions are also good sources for referrals.

2. Call your State Bar Association. Ask for a list of those patent attorneys that have been certified by any state or national patent organizations. Confirm that none of these lawyers have ever been the subject of any ethical complaints.

3. Interview the attorneys whose names you were given. Ask whether they have an engineering background that relates to your particular patent. Inquire as to their patent experience, certifications, types of inventions represented and other expertise. It is also worthwhile to ask the patent attorneys you are considering hiring whether they can put you in contact with previous clients you could talk to for more information.

4. Inquire about costs. You will need to know how much representation will cost you up front. Ask for an estimate of the entire bill and how payments will be arranged. The patent attorney you hire should be open and forthcoming about fees and costs.

5. Trust your intuition. Obtaining a patent for your invention can be a long and arduous process. The patent attorney you hire will need to make this process as easy for you as possible. Choose an attorney with whom you have a good rapport and who puts you at ease.