What qualifications do I look for when searching for a good patent lawyer?
Saturday, April 4th, 2009 at
8:06 pm
asked:
What makes one patent lawyer better than the next? Also how should I expect to be billed? Do I pay by the hour for being consulted or Propecia am I paying only for the work that he would commit towards my application? Thanks
What makes one patent lawyer better than the next? Also how should I expect to be billed? Do I pay by the hour for being consulted or Propecia am I paying only for the work that he would commit towards my application? Thanks
Filed under: Lawyer FAQ
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They come highly recommended.
I’d go to uspto.gov, and look up patents by his last name and city. Then, look for his thoroughness in the claims section – this is a good indication of how well he’s defending the patents. Also, read through the abstracts and body. Many patent attorneys will make mistakes. They’ll misunderstand what was described and never bother checking with the client.
A couple more tips:
Study GE patents, and start your version of the patent from that – this will give an excellent framework and improve accuracy.
As to fee, I’d get a quote, after you have a boiler plate version. If you’ve started the work, he can do a lot of cut and paste. Then, you shouldn’t spend more than about $4k, depending on you part of the country… (High cost of living areas may be more).
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First, the attorney must be a registered patent attorney. Search the USPTO’s roster.
Second, make sure the attorney has no complaints at the patent office.
Third, look them up in the state bar association. Make sure they have not been disciplined.
Ask not only where and when they obtained their legal education but when and where they obtained their technical education. As what scientific or engineering degree they have. Ask what scientific or engineering work experience they had.
I would also tell you to get a recomendation from another attorney, for example, your general business attorney. Ask someone at a trade association for a recomendation for a patent attorney.
Ask if they have competitence in your field. Ask for a reference patent in your field.
Ask them how long they have been practicing. Ask who will actually do the work.