Choosing a law firm is crucial in patent protection and application. Having a team of lawyers to help you get legal and exclusive rights on your inventions is necessary in a complex world of patents.
Like any specialized fields of law, there are several patent law firms you can choose from. With so many available, selecting a law firm that has appellate procedures and extensive experience in patents, can be challenging.
Outlined in this comprehensive guide are tips on choosing the right law firm. Keep these principles in mind and make an informed decision.
Research and Research
One of the best ways to evaluate the skills and capabilities of a patent law firm is to conduct thorough background research.
Visit their website and check social media for testimonials. Make sure that they are accessible to you in terms of distance; if you live in Fredericksburg there is no point looking for a firm in Seattle. Additionally, check that they have people who are experts in the field you are pursuing for legal attention. Most firms that practice patent law showcase the profiles of their attorney, which includes their technical background.
If you are lucky enough, you can also find recommendations from clients who have successfully worked with them.
Use these recommendations to compare different law firms and find out the best value for your budget. In your research, highlight their special skills and certifications as well as the additional costs involved in addition to lawyer fees.
Moreover, it is also advisable to create a budget plan. This simplifies your search and saves you time from considering other firms that are outside your budget.
Only Choose Experienced Patent Law Firms
There is an age-old adage which says that experience is something you cannot teach. Ensure that the law firm you are targeting has years of experience, providing patents to different businesses.
Choosing an experienced patent law firm helps put your best foot forward in the process of a patent application. Also, ask whether they carry malpractice insurance.
While experienced and seasoned law firms don’t come cheap, hiring one helps prevent loss of profits in the long run. Bear in mind that a cheap fee often signals inexperience, problems, and incompetence, which is otherwise seen as a combination of failure.
A higher fee, on the other hand, does not necessarily mean a great attorney. So, always keep rule number one on top of your head to narrow down experienced patent law firms.
Consider Its Experience in Filing Foreign Patents
For businesses who are interested in filing their patents on a global scale, it is best to consider the firm’s experience in filing foreign patents.
Make sure to ask about their relationships with a particular jurisdiction you are interested in as well as the international patents they file each year.
This helps ensure a smooth-sailing transaction if you decide to file your patent application internationally.
Find out Their Experience with Other IP-related Matters
Intellectual property is more than just patents.
Explore if the firm of your choosing can help you regarding copyrights, trademarks, patent valuation, sales, patent infringement analysis, and software licensing.
While you may not need it now, hiring a patent law firm which specializes in these matters is always a great addition.
