4 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Patent Lawyer

Your company has developed a new product and you want to employ a patent attorney to protect it. There may be infringement on your existing patent, in which case you’ll need the help of a Colorado patent lawyer. If you’re in a tough spot right now, it’s vital that you do your homework and get a good patent lawyer.

IP is protected by patent law. Almost two hundred and eighty years ago, this statute was first applied. It has been used numerous times since then in the U.S. as well as in many other countries.

Why is it so important to choose the right patent attorney in Colorado? Interviewing multiple patent attorneys is the greatest method to choose the right one for you. You should ask each of your potential patent attorneys these four questions during your first meeting.

1. What’s Your Legal Experience?

Intellectual property services are advertised on many of the law firm websites you browse. The fact that each of these companies has experience in intellectual property law does not mean that they have successfully prosecuted cases before the relevant patent and trademark offices.

Choose a patent law firm with many years of experience in dealing with patent applications. Investigate whether or not the company has a license from the applicable patent body, and whether or not they have a good standing with the body. On the other hand, find out the average number of patent applications that they file in any given year.

Get to know their expertise in foreign patents as well as the value they can provide to their clients. Inquire into the success rate of the firm.

2. What’s Your Technical Experience?

To pass the patent bar, all patent attorneys must have a certain amount of technical experience. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in a technical field of study in order to be considered.

In spite of this, not every trademark lawyer with a bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline is the best choice for you.

Your company needs a patent attorney that has a thorough understanding of the technologies it is creating. If your invention is in the field of nanotechnology, for example, patent attorneys with a biology background may not be the best choice for your firm.

3. Can Your Patent Lawyer Explain Their Work Process?

Patent lawyers and you will need to work closely together during the entire patent process. As a result, it’s crucial that you find a patent attorney with whom you can work effectively. Learn as much as you can about your possible patent lawyer. In addition to the patent attorney with whom you speak, will associates work on your case as well?

It is important to know if the patent law firm specializes in representing individuals as well as small to large enterprises. Find out what steps the attorney will take to file your application, and how long the process will take in general.

To find out if there are any potential obstacles to your case, ask how often the attorney meets with clients.

4. Can You Provide References?

Talking to other companies that have dealt with patent attorneys before is always a good idea before settling on a certain patent law firm. Most top attorneys will be happy to provide you with a list of prior clients who are similar to you.

A few lawyers may be reluctant to reveal their clients’ identities, especially if confidentiality is at risk. The manner an attorney responds to your request for references, on the other hand, will tell you whether or not their working style is right for you.

In general, you’ll want to pick an attorney who’s honest in their communication with you and your family.

If you’re planning on working with a patent law company on a long-term basis, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about them. Remember, it’s your company’s reputation, money and intellectual property that’s at stake here.