- Really, how much should I expect this to cost? >> A few thousands.
- How can I do it for less? >> Agents are a cheaper alternative to lawyers.
- How long does it take until patent is awarded? >> At least 2 years, as far as I know.
- Can I license the method to someone before the patent is awarded? >> Yes.
- How do you choose a patent agent/attorney or do you even need to? (I know you don't HAVE to, but is it a good idea?) >> They should supply you with links to patents they have written (or at least applications). Try to figure out if they are any good. It's a crap shoot..
Do you need one in the first place? I read all the books, then wrote the patent myself including claims. I thought the claims looked fine but when I took it to a lawyer he had to rewrite them. We had a lot of back and forth and now they look dramatically different. The point is if you decide to do it, do it right.
- What am I not aware of that I'll later wish I had known about? >> You don't know the future, so you may never use the patent...
Thanks. I had looked into using an agent; a friend who has a few medical device patents suggested his agent but I've left several messages over the last week and the agent hasn't called back yet. I'm thinking I should interview two or three attorneys/agents before settling on one?
What sort of rates/amount should I be prepared to pay the agent/attorney?
I didn't actually interview anyone in person (good idea, of course); I had to do everything over the internet. So I looked at what they had online. The one that picked had extensive contributions to forums, etc. Another reason was that the price was on the lower end of the range (4K or so).
- How can I do it for less? >> Agents are a cheaper alternative to lawyers.
- How long does it take until patent is awarded? >> At least 2 years, as far as I know.
- Can I license the method to someone before the patent is awarded? >> Yes.
- How do you choose a patent agent/attorney or do you even need to? (I know you don't HAVE to, but is it a good idea?) >> They should supply you with links to patents they have written (or at least applications). Try to figure out if they are any good. It's a crap shoot..
Do you need one in the first place? I read all the books, then wrote the patent myself including claims. I thought the claims looked fine but when I took it to a lawyer he had to rewrite them. We had a lot of back and forth and now they look dramatically different. The point is if you decide to do it, do it right.
- What am I not aware of that I'll later wish I had known about? >> You don't know the future, so you may never use the patent...