The following points are offered as general suggestions for you in preparing for a first visit with a registered patent attorney.
First: Prepare a thorough description of your invention, including any variations that may come to mind. Add any sketches that help a reader understand your invention, and photographs of any models or prototypes. Have your description witnessed by a trusted colleague.
Second: To be assured that the attorney with whom you are planning to meet is in fact registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), visit www.USPTO.gov.
Third: To be assured that the attorney is licensed to practice law in Florida, visit www.FloridaBar.org.
Fourth: Read our “Overview of Patents”.
Fifth: Speak with the patent attorney by telephone in advance of the meeting with a brief, non-confidential discussion of the subject matter of your disclosure so that the attorney can conduct a conflicts check to make sure that he or she will not have any conflicts in representing you.
Sixth: Before the visit, write down your goals for the invention, and the ways you envision capitalizing on it.
