Do I need a patent agent or a patent attorney?

Do I need a patent agent or a patent attorney?

Patent Agents are generally for independent inventors, small startups and small businesses. A patent agent is appropriate for small businesses because:

• Like attorneys, they are recognized by the US Patent and Trademark Office as official, licensed patent practitioners.
• They represent inventors in all stages of the patent process.
• Patent agents charge less than patent attorneys. (Keeley DeAngelo’s fee always includes consultations.)  Check out a recent survey of fees here.
• Agents do not give legal advice or provide legal representation. Most inventors do not need legal representation. Most do not encounter litigation.

Patent Attorneys are the choice for:

• Big companies with high-risk inventions
• Enterprises that are more likely to encounter litigation — and are able to afford it

When our clients encounter legal challenges, they have almost always been resolved with a letter from an attorney. We work with trusted attorneys who perform this for a nominal fee.

Patent agents have passed the patent bar, a rigorous national exam – the same bar that patent attorneys must pass to become patent practitioners, recognized by the USPTO.

Keeley DeAngelo are not lawyers; we don’t give legal advice. In Scott Keeley’s official capacity, he can answer all your questions about the patent process. He has 20+ years of experience in manufacturing and licensing, from his own inventions as well as those of our clients. Over the years we have built partnerships with trusted manufacturers, prototypers, and legal advisors.