Patents: Inventor Assistance

An inventor can search for prior art and apply for a patent on his or her own but it is recommended that an inventor employs the services of a reputable patent attorney to prevent any mistakes or oversights in the patent research or application process.

• The USPTO's Inventors Assistance Center is the place to start to answer preliminary questions about the patent application process.
  • Stakeholder Application Readiness Training (StART) teaches pro-se and first-time applicants the fundamentals of the patent application process.
• The USPTO's Patent Electronic Business Center can assist with using Patent Public Search and filing your patent application.
• The USPTO has regularly scheduled webinars on a variety of trademark and patent topics.
• The USPTO maintains a list of Register of Active Patent Practitioners who are eligible to represent patent applicants before the USPTO.
• If an applicant cannot afford to hire an attorney or agent, there are Pro Bono Programs available to those whose income falls below a certain level depending on where they live.
  • In New York State, the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts assist low-income inventors.
• The Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project, an initiative of the City Bar Justice Center, provides low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs with the legal services necessary to start their businesses.  These services include guiding applicants through the patent process.
• Start Small Think Big offers legal services in regard to copyrights, trademarks and patents.
• Many law schools offer Law Clinics where faculty and students offer their services free of charge to patent applicants.
• Inventors' Groups and Meetups
  • National Inventor Club - New York City area group assists inventors to realize and market their inventions.
  • Inventors Association of Manhattan - Meetup group for entrepreneurs to network and learn more about intellectual property.
  • Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club of Nassau County, NY
  • Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club of Suffolk County, NY
• If an applicant wishes to proceed on his or her own without the services of a patent attorney or agent, the USPTO offers a Pro Se Assistance Program.
• Complete listing of all the free resources offered by the USPTO
• If you would like to speak to a librarian in the Thomas Yoseloff Business Center of the New York Public Library, which is a USPTO Patent & Trademark Resource Center, make an appointment for a virtual consultation.