You certainly have the right to prepare their own applications and file them and conduct the your own proceedings. However, without having the knowledge that a patent attorney does you may get into considerable difficulty. You may be even be granted a patent, only to find out that it does not adequately protect your invention.
Most inventors employ the services of a registered patent attorney or patent agent.
- How To Choose a Patent Attorney
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.
Why a Registered Patent Attorney
In the United States, the USPTO make the rules and regulations governing any patent attorney or patent agent. A patent attorney who is not recognized by the USPTO is not permitted by law to represent inventors before the USPTO, the office maintains a register of patent attorneys and agents. To be admitted to this register, a patent attorney or agent must comply with USPTO regulations.A USPTO registered patent attorney must show that they are of good moral character, have a good reputation, and have all the legal, and scientific and technical qualifications. A registered patent attorney must pass an USPTO examination, and besides their law degree have a college degree in engineering or physical science or the proven equivalent.
- Patent Attorney & Patent Agent Search
The listings contain contact information for attorneys and agents with licenses to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office.
After Hiring a Patent Attorney
If you hire a patent attorney or agent, as the inventor you must execute a power of attorney or authorization of agent which must be filed with your patent office. This will be part of the application papers. When you appoint a patent attorney as your representative, the patent office will not communicate you directly but will conduct all correspondence with your patent attorney. You are still free to contact your patent office directly concerning the status of your application, and you may remove your patent attorney or agent as your representive by revoking the power of attorney or authorization of agent.
