Expert: George H. Morgan, P.E., Patent Agent - 12/14/2009

Question
I have ideas which could be sold or developed into inventions, but I've heard from several people there are lawyers who will charge excessive amounts of money for doing nothing and I've heard about a couple of cases where a patent lawyer actually stole the idea that was presented them in order acquire a patent. How do I know before hiring an attorney if he/she is reputable? and/or... Is there something I can do to protect my idea before presenting it to a patent attorney?

Answer
A lot of people don't like lawyers so they are quick to spread rumors. All patent practioners swear an oath to the U.S. Patent Office to keep their client's affairs confidential. I have never heard of a specific case of a lawyer stealing an idea presented to them for a patent. Believe me, that lawyer would really be in trouble & facing serious penalties, including prison.

Also, both the State Bar Associations & the Patent Office frown on lawyers taking money & not doing anything. So, you may be hearing third and fourth hand rumors.

My free web site has a lot of free information for inventors, creative people, and parents afflicted with creative children: http://www.evansville.net/biz/patagent

The book review page lists helpful texts you can get through your local free public library.
I highly recommend you start with "Patent It Yourself" by David Pressman, published by Nolo Press.

If you don't want to file your own, keep in mind that Patent Agents have the same standing with the Patent Office, and their fees are considerably lower. Both Patent Agents and Patent Attorneys take the same 8 hour qualifying exam to become registered. The Patent Agents usually have heavy engineering experience while the patent attorneys start with an engineering or science degree, to qualify for the exam, and are members of a State Bar so they are registered as patent attorneys.

Stay away from the Invention Promotion Companies that advertise on TV, and, sadly, often with AllExperts. When I complain about it, to AllExperts, they blame Google.

My Inventor's Resources Page has a link to the Ron
Riley Web Site where he has an extensive list of firms to be avoided, or treated with extreme caution. Do not rely on BBB endorsements, as some of the scammers such as Invention Submission Corporation forestall negative ratings by suing anyone that complains to BBB.

Some to treat with extreme caution include Davidson, Invent-Tech, Invention
Submission Corporation, among others.

I hope that helps. Best wishes on your projects.

George H. Morgan
Professional Engineer (Since 1957)
Patent Agent (since 1973)