How to Get Help With Patenting

Patent attorneys have expertise in both a science field and patent law.

A patent recognizes an inventor's originality and grants him exclusive right to profit from his ideas. Obtaining a patent is a complex process. The sheer volume of supporting documents alone can pose an unexpected difficulty in submitting a patent application. Inventors have one year to file a patent application after revealing information about their invention publicly or to another person. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, recommends that patent-filers work with a patent attorney before submitting their applications. Seeking help with getting a patent should be done with caution.

Instructions

1. Visit USPTO.gov, the website for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The website provides information about filing processes and application types. There are three types of patents: design, utility and plant. Each requires a different application and set of supporting documents. Visiting the website is the best place to start.

2. Call the USPTO's Inventors Assistance Center. The assistance center answers questions about patent application review policies and about completing a patent application, and it answers general questions about laws and fees. Call 800-786-9199 or 571-272-1000. TTY customers can dial 571-272-9950.

3. Hire a patent attorney. The patent attorney will be able to guide you through the process of submitting a viable patent application, and will be able to answer questions specific to your application.

   Interview several patent attorneys before hiring one, to gauge their level of knowledge in your field. It is important to select an attorney who can honestly appraise the viability of your work. Patent attorneys are required to hold a degree in a scientific field, which can include medicine or engineering. Conduct a patent attorney search at the USPTO website to verify that the patent attorney is registered to file patents with the USPTO.

4. Enlist the service of a patent agent. A patent agent can also guide you through the patent application process and prepare a patent application on your behalf. The difference between a patent agent and a patent attorney is that the agent cannot represent you in court if you wish to pursue litigation later.

   Select an agent with a background in your field of invention, to ensure an honest appraisal of the viability of a patent for your invention. Verify that the patent agent is registered to file patents with the USPTO, by making a patent agent search at the USPTO website.

References

• United States Patent and Trademark Office: Patents
• United States Patent and Trademark Office: Inventors Assistance Center
• United States Patent and Trademark Office: Attorneys and Agents
• The New York Times: Have a science degree? Become a patent lawyer

Resources

• United States Patent and Trademark Office: Patent Attorney/Agents Search