Inventor Resources by State
US Patent and Trademark Office
Looking for a local inventors group or the nearest Patent and Trademark Resource Center? Interested in pro bono patent legal assistance? Click on your state to find resources in your region.Inventor's Eye
US Patent and Trademark Office
Inventors Eye is the USPTO’s newsletter for the independent inventor community published since 2010.Finding a Registered Patent Attorney
US Patent and Trademark Office
OED maintains a register of active patent practitioners who are eligible to represent others before the USPTO in patent matters. Only registered patent attorneys and agents, and individuals granted limited recognition, may represent patent applicants before the USPTO. Individuals not listed on the register are generally unable to represent others before the USPTO in patent matters.Patent Pro Bono Program for Independent Inventors and Small Businesses
US Patent and Trademark Office
Inventors and small businesses that meet certain financial thresholds and other criteria may be eligible for free legal assistance in preparing and filing a patent application. The Patent Pro Bono Program is a nationwide network of independently operated regional programs that match volunteer patent professionals with financially under-resourced inventors and small businesses for the purpose of securing patent protection. Each regional program provides services for residents of one or more states.Law School Clinic Certification Program
US Patent and Trademark Office
The Law School Clinic Certification program allows law students enrolled in a participating law school's clinic program to practice Intellectual Property Law before the USPTO under the strict guidance of a Law School Faculty Clinic Supervisor. The program currently consists of students practicing in both patent and trademark law before the USPTO.Common Pitfalls on USPTO Forms
US Patent and Trademark Office
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has developed numerous forms to aid with the filing and prosecution of patent applications. Although one is not required to use USPTO forms, they can be extremely helpful in complying with the requirements of the rules. However, the forms may contain legal terms that may be confusing to inventors filing without the assistance of a registered practitioner, also known as pro se applicants.