Patent application needs you to find a good patent attorney. You need to select one with whom you can trust and talk comfortably. Make sure they are registered with the USPTO. It ensures that the lawyer has legal, technical, and scientific qualification needed to provide patent application service.
Hire one of the best patent litigation lawyers, who can provide legal advice to exclusive rights related issues like patent validity and infringement, which patent agents cannot. It is also necessary that the inventor take necessary steps to work in sync with the lawyer and save money.
How to Work In Sync With A Good Patent Lawyer?
Your Lawyer Works in your Interest
Like any hired person, set particular boundaries and discuss your expectations before starting the work. This is vital to clear the fee pattern for tasks done because the expenses can increase rapidly. It is utmost necessary, if you will work with the patent lawyer for an extended time period.
Use referrals
Personal search is the best option. Read other similar patents and contact their authors. Hiring a lawyer well-versed in your technology is beneficial, but not a necessity except if you are in some highly special field like medical or software technology. A skilled lawyer needs to possess the background and expertise to get the task completed.
No Restriction of Physical Location
Overheads are higher in major cities, which are passed on the applicants. Therefore, find a patent lawyer residing a small city. Remember patent law is centralized and with the invention of internet, you can get a good deal.
Large Firm vs. Independent Practitioner
Large firm covers an extensive range of services like copyrights, trademarks, patents, licensing contracts and also litigation. They hire experienced lawyers. A lawyer from a big firm representing you in court tends to provide more clout. However, you will need to pay the high price.
You will start your work with experienced senior lawyer, but soon it gets passed to a junior attorney. Overtime, the senior lawyer will supervise and deal with the patent process, but not get involved, directly.
Alternatively, an independent patent lawyer will work with you, directly, at more affordable rates. Patent law is a complex process and you may need to work with multiple lawyers for getting all legal aspects covered. Actually, patent law is a combat of words, so look for a person, whose written patents are effective.
Give them necessary Information
Actually, you are the expert and in the best position to look into prior patents. You can identify the different between a competitor’s idea and yours. Therefore, don’t play a passive role and depend totally on the lawyer to do everything. You can give them a sample, if possible or your sell sheet. Explain the benefits, so that they understand your concept, clearly.
You know all the ins and outs of your invention, so read the patent application, carefully. Make sure everything written is readable and clear.
Teach yourself
Google is the best source to learn about the patent legal process. Ask the lawyer vital questions. You can record the conversation, so that you can listen in again. Before making phone conversation, send your questions via email to save money and time.