Choosing a Patent Attorney
Articles providing guidance on how to choose a patent attorney
by Russ Weinzimmer | Choosing a Patent Attorney
Instead of charging clients for every billable hour and each individual expense, the flat fee rate model charges clients a flat fee for specific work. In order to accurately quote a flat flee, the patent attorney needs to take the time to fully understand the client’s needs and create a plan to efficiently and effectively protect what matters to the client’s business. Thus, the value of the work becomes the focus of the engagement, rather than the attorney’s time.
The benefits to you are clear: You know what the final cost will be, and can budget accordingly. You don’t need to worry about going over budget and running out of money halfway through. You don’t have to pay extra for phone calls and emails when you have questions. You don’t get nickel-and-dimed for every minute and expense. You only pay for the actual work, and you don’t tie up money in retainer fees.
by Russ Weinzimmer | Choosing a Patent Attorney
The number of Patent Attorneys is rapidly declining, at the same time as demand for patents is rising. From 2008 to 2018, the number of new Patent Attorneys fell by 50%. From 2009 to 2015, the number of Patent Applications increased by 30% and the number of issued US Patents increased 70%.
Patent Attorneys account for more than 15% of law firm job openings while representing less than 2% of all lawyers in the U.S. As more of the already dwindling supply of Patent Attorneys are hired by big law firms and by large corporations and universities as in-house Patent Attorneys, there are fewer and fewer available to work with individual inventors and small companies.
by Russ Weinzimmer | Choosing a Patent Attorney
Many inventors wait to call a Patent Attorney for a free consultation until they feel ready to begin the patent process. Unfortunately, that sometimes means they made mistakes along the way that will prevent them from getting a patent for their invention … mistakes that could have been easily avoided if they got advice sooner. Don’t make decisions about patents or IP for your business without talking to an actual Patent Attorney.
Everything you disclose in the Free Consultation is confidential. You don’t need to schedule an appointment, and we are available outside traditional business hours. We can work with you, no matter where you are located. Patent Law is Federal Law, and Patent Attorneys are licensed to practice nationally.
by Russ Weinzimmer | Choosing a Patent Attorney, Commercialization of IP
interview with Russ Weinzimmer:
A patent is primarily a business tool – so hiring a patent lawyer with business experience can be a valuable asset. Most patents are not litigated, so the key value of a patent is its business value. It takes a lot of technical and legal skill to draft a good patent, but business insight can substantially improve the value and effectiveness of a patent.
by Russ Weinzimmer | Choosing a Patent Attorney
interview with Russ Weinzimmer:
Many Patent Law Firms cater to corporate clients, so when individuals or small companies approach them, they don’t really get good attention. Invention Marketing Companies put the cart before the horse by marketing the invention before protecting it. Then as the inventor approaches the deadline to get a patent, they have run out of money or optimism.
