Free Patent Filing Assistance in Milwaukee
If you need a patent for your invention, but are unable to afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free patent filing assistance in Milwaukee. This program is run by patent agent Don Ersler, who quotes a flat fee for all of your legal needs. He works with inventors, design departments, and corporate attorneys from his office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Clients come from all over the United States to take advantage of this service. Ersler has a college degree in engineering, and has experience working in both the corporate world and with inventors.
Patent Filing Resources in Milwaukee
If you have an idea for a new product, service, or business idea and are looking for help filing a patent, you might be a good candidate for free patent filing assistance in Milwaukee. There are a number of organizations that provide this type of help. These organizations can be found all over the United States, and can help you secure a patent for your new business idea.
Local Business Resources
When seeking free patent filing assistance in Milwaukee, consider connecting with local business development centers, chambers of commerce, and entrepreneurial organizations. These entities are often well-connected within the local business ecosystem and can provide valuable information about available resources. Local business development centers are designed to support startups and small businesses, and they might have workshops, seminars, or information sessions focused on intellectual property and patent filing. Chambers of commerce frequently serve as hubs for networking and information exchange, so they might be aware of local professionals who offer pro bono patent assistance. Entrepreneurial organizations are also great sources of information; they often host events and workshops where experts discuss legal aspects of innovation, potentially including patent guidance. By reaching out to these local resources, you can tap into a network of professionals dedicated to supporting local entrepreneurs and inventors.
Universities and Law Schools
Milwaukee’s universities and law schools can be valuable allies in your search for patent filing assistance. Many academic institutions have clinics or programs that provide free legal services to the community. These clinics are staffed by law students under the supervision of experienced faculty members, offering a unique opportunity for budding inventors to receive guidance at minimal or no cost. By contacting the law schools and universities in Milwaukee, you can inquire about any patent law clinics they may operate. These clinics often provide services to entrepreneurs and inventors who might not have the resources to hire a private attorney. Leveraging the expertise of law students and professors can be an effective way to navigate the complexities of patent filing without incurring significant expenses.
Local Libraries
Don’t overlook the potential resources available at local libraries when seeking patent filing assistance in Milwaukee. Public libraries often aim to serve as community hubs, providing information and support to residents. Many libraries host workshops, seminars, and informational sessions on various topics relevant to local entrepreneurs. While they might not offer direct patent filing assistance, they could provide access to materials that help you understand the patent application process better. They might also have connections to organizations or professionals in the area who specialize in intellectual property law. Libraries can be an underrated yet valuable resource for gaining insights into the patent landscape and connecting with knowledgeable individuals.
Legal Aid Organizations
While patent law is indeed highly specialized, don’t disregard the potential support that local legal aid organizations or pro bono legal services can offer. These organizations are dedicated to providing legal assistance to individuals who might not have the financial means to hire private attorneys. Although patent law might not be their primary focus, they could still offer guidance or refer you to resources or organizations that specialize in intellectual property matters. While direct patent filing assistance might be limited, legal aid organizations can be valuable sources of information and direction. By checking with local legal aid groups, you might uncover opportunities for workshops, seminars, or informational events that touch on intellectual property and patent-related topics. Collaborating with these organizations can help you navigate the legal aspects of patent filing and identify potential pathways to receive further assistance.
Online Resources
In the digital age, online platforms can be rich sources of information and assistance for inventors seeking patent filing support. Explore various websites that cater to inventors and entrepreneurs, such as the United Inventors Association or the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)’s Pro Bono Program. These platforms might host resources, guides, and even directories of legal professionals willing to provide free or low-cost patent filing assistance. Online patent clinics and legal aid organizations might offer webinars or downloadable materials that can help you understand the patent application process better. These resources are particularly valuable for low-income inventors who are unable to access traditional legal services easily. By leveraging online platforms, you can gain insights into patent law and potentially connect with experts who are willing to offer guidance to individuals with limited resources.
Law Firms and Attorneys
While patent law firms and attorneys typically operate for-profit practices, some do recognize the importance of giving back to the community. It’s worth reaching out to law firms in your area to inquire about pro bono or reduced-cost services for patent filing assistance. While this might be relatively rare, there are instances where legal professionals dedicate a portion of their time to help individuals with limited financial means. By directly contacting law firms, you can express your situation and inquire about any potential assistance programs they might offer. Additionally, some attorneys might offer initial consultations at no cost, allowing you to discuss your patent filing needs and explore possible avenues for collaboration. Even if a full pro bono service isn’t available, attorneys might be able to provide guidance on a case-by-case basis.
Small Business Administration (SBA)
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a federal agency that provides resources, support, and information to small businesses and entrepreneurs. They might have valuable information about various resources available to innovators, including potential patent filing assistance programs. While the SBA itself might not directly offer patent filing services, they could point you toward initiatives, organizations, or clinics that specialize in providing support to inventors. Additionally, the SBA often collaborates with local organizations to provide workshops, seminars, and training sessions on various aspects of business development, which might include intellectual property topics. By exploring the SBA’s resources and reaching out to their local offices, you can tap into a network of support designed to help entrepreneurs succeed.
Local Government
Local governments often have economic development offices or small business support centers dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within their communities. These offices might be aware of programs, grants, or initiatives that offer support to inventors, including those seeking patent filing assistance. By contacting your local government’s economic development office or small business support center, you can inquire about resources that specifically cater to inventors and entrepreneurs. They might have information about grant opportunities, training programs, or partnerships with organizations that provide patent-related guidance. Local governments are invested in the growth of their communities, so they can be valuable allies in your search for patent filing assistance.
Remember that while these resources can offer valuable guidance, patent filing is a complex legal process. If you decide to pursue patent protection, it’s advisable to work with a qualified patent attorney or agent to ensure the accuracy and completeness of your application.
Benefits
The United States Patent and Trademark Office offers free patent filing assistance for people who cannot afford patent attorneys. The program is administered by nonprofit organizations. Volunteer patent attorneys assist people in their application process. This service allows people to file patents without paying anything, allowing them to get started on their invention faster.
Income requirement
In order to qualify for free patent filing assistance in Milwaukee, you must have an invention and live in one of the states that provide a patent assistance program. This income requirement varies by administrator, so check with your attorney for the specific guidelines in your area. In addition, you must own a business in one of these states, or be an employee of one. The program also requires you to have completed a certificate training course through the USPTO.
Chances of getting a patent without an attorney
If you are planning to apply for a patent and have not hired an attorney yet, you should know how to assess your chances of success. The percentage of applications that are granted a patent is considered the allowance rate, which means that your application is likely to be approved. The next step is to pay the final government fee, which will result in an issued patent. The USPTO allowance rate is one of the most reliable metrics to use to gauge the likelihood of obtaining a patent. In the 4th quarter of 2016, it was 67.9%, and as of the first quarter of 2020, it was 74%. As of April 2019, the average allowance rate for law firms is 74%, and if you don’t have a patent attorney, your chances of getting a patent are much lower.
A patent attorney’s fees are high and may not be affordable for many people, especially if you’re applying for a patent for a product or service. However, if you’re willing to take the time to research the application process and find relevant resources, you can apply for a patent on your own without the assistance of a patent attorney. However, you’ll need to spend a significant amount of time and effort to prepare for this process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Milwaukee offers a variety of avenues for individuals seeking free patent filing assistance, exemplifying the spirit of innovation and community support that defines the city. While patent law is intricate and specialized, determined inventors can still find valuable resources to help navigate the complex process without incurring substantial costs.
Local business development centers, chambers of commerce, and entrepreneurial organizations provide a wealth of information about available resources, workshops, and seminars that can shed light on patent filing. Universities and law schools in Milwaukee, with their clinics and programs, offer a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to access legal guidance at little to no cost. Local libraries, often underestimated, can connect inventors with workshops and materials that foster a better understanding of the patent landscape.
For those seeking digital solutions, online platforms like the United Inventors Association and the USPTO’s Pro Bono Program offer a wealth of resources, guides, and connections to experts. And while patent law firms might not traditionally offer pro bono services, it’s worth reaching out to inquire, as some attorneys recognize the importance of giving back to the community.
The U.S. Small Business Administration and local government’s economic development offices serve as valuable resources, acting as gateways to information about support programs, grants, and partnerships that aim to bolster innovation. While the road to patent filing might seem daunting, the collective efforts of these organizations and resources highlight Milwaukee’s commitment to fostering innovation, ensuring that inventive minds have access to the assistance they need to protect their ideas and contribute to the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Remember, while these resources provide valuable guidance, consulting with a qualified patent attorney or agent remains a prudent step to ensure the accuracy and success of your patent application.
