Selecting the right patent attorney is a crucial step in the invention process. Your patent will only be as good as the patent attorney drafting it.
- You should select an attorney whose engineering background relates to the field of your invention. There are four types of engineers, mechanical, chemical, electrical and computer science.
- Ask the attorney, what kind of engineer he is, how long has he practiced patent law, how many patents has he drafted and for what kinds of inventions.
- Only choose an attorney who can give you a quote for what the entire bill will be. They will have to inspect your invention first. Ask how the payments will be arranged.
- Use a patent attorney that hires an independent professional patent searcher. An in-house searcher would provide a conflict of interest, leaning towards making the patent search more favorable.
- You should select a patent attorney who is also an engineer. Both skills are needed to construct a good patent document.
- Trust you intuition and only choose an attorney who you feel understands your invention.
- Interview different attorneys until you have made your choice. You will be working with this individual for 2 to 3 years.
Tips:
- Most reputable patent attorneys charge between $3,000 to $10,000 for a well-drafted patent application including the drawings and filing fee. Anything less than $3,000 should be scrutinized.
- Educate yourself about the patent process and understand as much as you can. It will help you work better with your attorney.
- You could hire a patent agent instead of an attorney, but the patent agent will not be able to litigate for you if any infringement issues arise.
- Never deal with a salesperson, in choosing an attorney always deal directly with the attorney.
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