{"id":358041,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:22","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/patents.html"},"modified":"2024-06-07T13:00:17","modified_gmt":"2024-06-07T18:00:17","slug":"patents","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/patents.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Hire a Patent Lawyer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Hire a Patent Lawyer<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Hiring a patent lawyer is essential to protect a new invention, navigate complex USPTO requirements, or defend your patent rights. A qualified patent attorney can conduct prior\u2011art searches, draft your application, communicate with examiners, and guide you through the full patent prosecution process.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

By choosing a lawyer with technical expertise and experience in your industry, you give your invention the best chance of securing strong, enforceable patent protection.<\/p>\n

This article explains how a patent attorney can help protect your intellectual property. You’ll also learn what to look for in a patent lawyer<\/a> and how to leverage their expertise to advance\u00a0your invention’s success.<\/p>\n

Where To Find a Patent Attorney<\/h2>\n

If you want to protect your invention, you need to find a patent attorney. Patent attorneys practice in different areas. Some work for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) reviewing patent applications, but you can’t hire them. Others work in boutique law firms<\/a> that only file lawsuits for patent infringement.<\/p>\n

Many patent attorneys with technical backgrounds like electrical engineering work as in-house company attorneys. Others practice patent law as a part of small business law since patents are essential to many businesses. Some ways to approach finding a patent attorney include:<\/p>\n