Free Patent Filing Assistance in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the city in Los Angeles County. It’s located in southern California. It is the second-most populous city in the United States.  If you’re an inventor in the City of Angels, you’re probably wondering if there are any resources available to help you file for a patent for your idea. Fortunately, there are several resources available to help you file for a utility, design, or provisional patent.

Basic Requirements for US Patent

For one to be granted a Patent, the invention must meet certain criteria. These criteria are consistent across the country. Inventions should be original, not obvious, and industrially applicable.

• If the invention was already part of a public record or used before the filing date, you may not be eligible for a Patent. The record could be found in the country or elsewhere in the world.
• Non-obvious refers to the fact that your invention is not obvious to someone skilled in the art or working in the same technical field.
• A invention must be capable of industrial use. This means that the invention is industrially applicable or has practical applications.
• Some subject matter is not patentable. These subject matters are not patentable and may include scientific theories, mathematical methods, natural laws, and other principles.

These points are crucial for Patent filing in Los Angeles and elsewhere. These points may prove helpful when you plan to file a Patent.

Image credit: Unsplash

Types of US Patent Applications

There are two types of patent applications available for filing:

• Non-provisional : This non-provisional application covers the title and abstract, description, claims, drawings, and claims. It is necessary to describe the technical, functional, or structural aspects of the invention.
• Provisional: A provisional application is filed to obtain an early filing date or priority. Patent law states that the patent rights are granted to the inventor who files the patent application first. This provisional application is necessary to obtain the crucial patent filing date.

California Inventors Assistance Program

Small businesses and inventors may be eligible to receive free legal help in filing and preparing a patent application. Patent Pro Bono Program, a national network of regional programs independently managed by patent professionals, matches small-business inventors with volunteer patent professionals to secure patent protection. 

Each program offers services to residents of one or several states. Los Angeles inventors can be served by the California Inventors Assistance Program. This program is part of the USPTO nationwide pro-bono program. It matches inventors who are eligible (based on their income) with patent professionals and volunteer attorneys that will assist you in filing your patent application.

Requirements

Admission requirements to each regional program may vary. The general requirements for admission are:

Income Your gross household income should not exceed three times the federal poverty levels, though certain regional programs may have other criteria.

Knowledge
One of these two methods must be used to prove your knowledge of the patent system:

• A provisional application is an already filed with the USPTO.
• Successful completion of the certificate training course.

Invention
You should be able describe the specific features and how they work.

Online resources

Online resources are a valuable asset to entrepreneurs and small businesses. They provide access to tools, information, and communities which can help with various aspects of the business development. Here are some online resources for small business that will benefit them:

Government Websites. Government websites such as those of the Small Business Administration in the United States offer an abundance of information and resources to entrepreneurs. These websites provide information and guidance about starting and running a business. They also offer legal and regulatory requirements and access to grants and loans.

Online Business Planning Tools There are many online tools and platforms that can help with financial forecasting and strategy development. These tools provide step-by-step instructions, calculators, and templates to help entrepreneurs develop effective business plans.

E-commerce Platforms – Online marketplaces, like Amazon, eBay, Shopify and Etsy allow small businesses to sell their products and services worldwide. These platforms provide entrepreneurs with easy-to-use interfaces, payment systems and marketing tools.

Social Media Platforms. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn have evolved into powerful tools for marketing and networking. These platforms can be used by small businesses to connect with their customers, reach their target market, and build brand awareness.

Online Learning Platforms. Online learning platforms such as Udemy Coursera and LinkedIn Learning offer a variety of tutorials and courses on a range of business topics. These platforms offer affordable or free access to valuable educational material, allowing entrepreneurs the opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills in areas such as marketing, finance and leadership.

Online Communities and Associations: There are many online communities and forums that cater to specific industries and sectors. These provide a platform for professionals and entrepreneurs to connect, exchange knowledge and advice. These platforms promote networking, collaboration and learning within specific sectors or industries.

Online Financial Tools There are many online tools that can help with bookkeeping, accounting and financial management. These tools streamline financial tasks such as invoicing and expense tracking. They also help small businesses to streamline their financial processes.

Crowdfunding Platforms. Crowdfunding sites, like Kickstarter and Indiegogo allow entrepreneurs to raise money for their projects or business ideas. These platforms are a great way to showcase products and concepts, as well as engage with potential customers or backers.

While online resources are incredibly useful, it is important to verify their credibility and accuracy. Consider the needs of your company and select resources that are aligned with your industry and goals.

Law school clinics

Los Angeles inventors and entrepreneurs can obtain free legal help for both patent and trademark matters by contacting law school clinics. This include:

• California Western School of Law: TrademarkClinic@tjsl.edu (trademarks)
• Lincoln Law School of San Jose: ipclinic@lincolnlawsj.edu (patents and trademarks)
• Thomas Jefferson School of Law clinic: PatentClinic@tjsl.edu (patents) TrademarkClinic@tjsl.edu (trademarks)
• University of California Los Angeles clinic: uspto@law.ucla.edu (patents)
• University of California Irvine clinic: IPATintake@law.uci.edu (trademarks)
• University of San Diego clinic: eclinic@sandiego.edu
• University of San Francisco School of Law: lawclinic@usfca.edu (trademarks)

Image credit: Unsplash

Patent & Trademark Resource Center 

Certain libraries in the United States have been designated as a Patent & Trademark Resource Center (PTRC). These centers provide training staff and resources to assist customers in understanding and using USPTO information, filing systems, and other related services. Los Angeles is served by the Los Angeles Public Library.

The USPTO has a list of registered patent agents and active patent attorneys that you can use if you are looking to hire an attorney. Select California to search for an agent or attorney.

Small Business Development Centers

Small Business Development Centers are an invaluable resource for small business owners and entrepreneurs. They are usually funded by the Small Business Administration in partnership with local and state governments, universities and other organizations. SBDCs offer a variety of services to help small business owners succeed and grow. Here are some of the key features of SBDCs.

SBDCs provide free or low cost one-on-one consulting services. Business advisors with experience are available to help entrepreneurs with different aspects of running and starting a business. This includes business planning, marketing strategies, financial analysis and much more. These advisors provide tailored guidance to meet the needs of every business.

They offer workshops and training sessions on a variety of topics. These programs include topics like marketing, business planning, financial considerations, legal issues, and technology adoption. These workshops are interactive and offer the chance to network and learn from entrepreneurs and experts.

They are able to help companies conduct market research, analyze industry trends and better understand the competition. They offer access to databases, reports on the market, and other resources that will help you make informed decisions.

They help small businesses access capital by providing guidance on loan options, creating business plans and connecting entrepreneurs to lenders or investors. They can assist in navigating the funding landscape, and increase the likelihood of securing finance for business growth.

They offer specialized assistance. They often have programs or initiatives that are tailored to certain industries or challenges. Some centers focus on supporting minority-owned or exporting companies, technology startups, for example. These programs are designed to provide resources and assistance that address the specific needs of these businesses.

They work with local organizations and government agencies to create a supportive environment for small business. They engage in the local business community, and connect entrepreneurs with valuable resources and networks.

SBDCs are located throughout the United States, in cities and towns. It is important to contact the SBDC closest to you to learn more about the services and support they provide.

https://www.ycombinator.com/documents/
https://techcrunch.com/
https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/startup-resources
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/fund-your-business
https://hbr.org/1998/11/how-venture-capital-works
http://patentpc.com/
http://uspto.gov/

Inventors and Patents From the City of Hollywood
Black American Inventor’s Low Participation In The Us Patent System
How Can I Raise Funds For My Business
Inventors and Patents From the City of Madison
Inventors and Patents From the City of Tacoma