An incredible idea can only get your business so far if you can’t put your stamp of ownership on it. So before you take your product to the world, you need to protect it. That’s where a quality patent attorney comes in. The right attorney can make or break your business, so it’s crucial you partner with the right legal advisor.
If you’re feeling lost about getting your patent approved, don’t worry. Not everyone is well versed in the world of patent law, nor do they need to be. We’re here to help demystify some of the more confusing aspects of the field, providing businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to make an informed choice. If you’re looking into hiring a patent attorney, we’re more than happy to provide some advice. Here are a few rules to follow to make sure you’re hiring a good patent attorney.
1. Pick Someone With Experience You Can Trust
The right patent attorney will be able to represent your interests and defend your product because they have a deep understanding of both. You may meet a potential lawyer who is perfectly qualified for the job in every other aspect, but if they don’t have a solid grasp on your field, they won’t have the foundation they need to effectively do the job. That’s why when searching for a good patent attorney, you need to find someone with a good deal of knowledge about the market you’re working in.
One way to do this is to find out what patents they have successfully secured in the past. If they already have a good track record with patents similar to yours, they might just be the right fit for you.
2. Don’t Just Look at the Individual, Consider the Whole Firm
Even though you may primarily deal with a single patent attorney, it’s important to keep the larger picture in mind when deciding who you work with. Don’t just focus on an individual attorney’s experience; take the time you need to learn about their firm.
No one employee is representative of an entire organization, and patent attorneys are no exception. Support staff provides an important role in the process of getting a patent approved, doing thorough research, and providing the extra review needed to make sure everything on your patent application is complete. Not every firm is willing to go the extra mile, so it’s important you’re sure you’re in good hands before deciding to work with someone.
Rushed paperwork, lack of communication, and the same old boilerplate language just won’t do the trick when you’re trying to set your business up for success. When you work with a firm that has a track record for putting in the extra effort for its clients, you can trust you’ll have the support and attention you need.
3. See How Much Personal Attention They Can Give You
A good patent attorney will be attentive, listening to what you need and why you need it. This interpersonal relationship isn’t just to make a client feel special but to help the attorney have a better grasp on what exactly you’re patenting. After all, it’s part of a patent attorney’s job to explain your product to other people when getting the patent approved. Having a strong relationship with your patent attorney will arm them with the details they need to do their job even better, strengthening their understanding of the product and helping them make a stronger case in the application.
Beyond that, personal attention and frequent communication are important to keeping you involved in the application process at large. This is another instance when doing your research can really pay off. If the attorney or firm you’re considering has a reputation for ignoring their clients, you can’t expect you’ll be the exception. When you’re working on getting a patent registered, the last thing you want is to be left out of the process. The right patent attorney will not only represent your best interests but keep you informed every step of the way.
4. Be Clear About the Cost
As a client, you need to advocate for yourself while searching for a patent attorney. While it may feel a bit uncomfortable to bring up money, at the end of the day, you’re seeking to form a new business relationship. As with any business relationship, cost is going to be a major, if not the major, factor in your decision-making process. You aren’t doing yourself, nor your potential patent attorney, any favors by being vague about your financial requirements.
It may be tempting to go with the cheapest option you find, but you should approach any deals that seem too good to be true with caution. As the old adage goes, you get what you pay for. You may save money in the initial cost of hiring a patent attorney, but that won’t mean anything if you end up with a patent that is poorly drafted or not enforceable. Find an attorney that will be able to get your product to market within your budget, but don’t try to cut corners on your way there.
5. Feel Free to Shop Around
A decision like hiring a patent attorney shouldn’t be taken lightly. That’s why it’s important you have the confidence to shop around, weigh your options, and land on a decision that’s right for you. Don’t forget: you’re the one doing the hiring. You make the decisions, and it’s your interests that are being represented.
If you meet with an attorney or firm and feel pressured to sign right then and there, it may be wise to walk away from the arrangement. Any good patent attorney will understand the importance of finding the right representation for each individual business, so don’t feel stressed about looking at every option available to you.
As a premier patent law firm, we hope that you’ll consider working with Berkeley Law and Technology Group to bring your ideas to the world. With our depth of experience in the field, we’re certain to meet the needs of your company. If you have any questions or are curious about our experience, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We hope we have the opportunity to work together soon.