Why Should You Hire a Patent Agent?
Your IP is a critical component of building a scalable business, and filing a patent application can be an important first step to protect the competitive advantage of a startup company.
If you’re at the start of your patent process, here’s why you should hire a patent agent to make the whole process that much simpler.
What is a Patent Agent?
A patent agent is a professional licensed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to advise and assist inventors on their patent applications. Essentially, a patent agent is a patent attorney without a law degree — a patent agent can essentially do everything a patent attorney can do, except write opinions and represent clients in court.
Unsaddled with the student loans that come with a law degree, and instead armed with technical, legal, and business experience, a patent agent can give you a lot bigger bang for the buck in guiding your IP strategy. Even while charging a lower hourly rate than a first year associate attorney, an experienced patent agent will be able to give you better advice related to patents and your IP portfolio.
In-depth knowledge of the patent process
You know your technology, but your patent agent knows the ins and outs of patent applications much better than you do. Sure, the USPTO allows the inventors to file their own patent applications, although would you really want to fumble through your own patent applications when you are trying to protect the crown jewels of your company?
Here’s the thing: the patent process is long. It’s complicated. It can be expensive.
The truth is, small mistakes have big consequences in the patent application process. The last thing you want is for a series of small mistakes to add up to a rejected application. A patent agent’s job is to make sure your patent application is ready for the critical eye of the USPTO. If you’ve already filed a patent application and had it rejected, they can work with you to correct the problems and present a stronger application.
Experience IRL
Many patent agents are experts in their technology fields with Masters and/or Doctorate degrees. Whereas many patent attorneys have gone straight from high school to undergraduate to law school, most patent agents have real life work experience in technology and business that give them a broader perspective on your startup issues. It’s not unusual to find patent agents who were technology entrepreneurs, senior scientists, even former patent examiners with the USPTO. As a cash-conscious startup founder, you’ll want to work with an experienced professional who looks at your IP portfolio as an investment with a potential return, not just a cost center for hourly billing.
A patent agent takes the time to get to know the entrepreneur and their idea and to understand what they need in a successful patent application. We also know how important IP is to the big picture of your business and can help you create long-term strategies to build on your patent portfolio as part of your overall business.
At Patents Integrated, we’re more than just patent agents. We’re a multidisciplinary team that works with you to craft a successful IP strategy from start to finish. Our job is to take the headache out of innovation so that you can focus on building your business’ future.
If you’re ready to take a smarter approach to entrepreneurship, click here to get started.
