You might need a new patent attorney if they lack the technical knowledge to understand your invention, seem disorganized about deadlines and paperwork, or are difficult to reach and slow to communicate. Not every patent attorney is the right fit for every inventor, and a poor fit can put your protection at risk. Below are three signs it may be time to make a change.
Obtaining a patent is an essential step when protecting an invention or idea. Since the first patent law was used over 228 years ago, countless Americans have relied on patent lawyers to help them navigate this process. Unfortunately, not all patent attorneys are created equal. If you observe any of the following three signs, you might want to consider working with other patent attorneys who can address your needs.
1. Your Attorney Has a Lack of Technical Knowledge:
When you hire one of the many patent attorneys in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you should expect a certain amount of experience and knowledge. But in some cases, your expectations may not be met. If you’re spending a lot of time walking your attorney through the minute details of your invention or are receiving no guidance from them when filing a patent application, you’re not getting what you should be out of this professional relationship. Since the patent process can be quite complicated, you’ll need to have a qualified attorney by your side every step of the way.
2. Your Lawyer is Disorganized:
Lawyers of all types need to keep information organized to meet strict deadlines and ensure everything is filed correctly. This is especially important when attempting to obtain a patent. If the lawyer you’ve hired can’t seem to keep track of information you’ve already provided or seems to not give a second thought to missed deadlines, this can be a real problem for your enterprise. For the sake of your patent (and your sanity), it’s better to contact patent attorneys in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with proven reputations and a dedication to following USPTO regulations.
3. Your Lawyer is Non-Communicative:
Unreliable communication can be an issue, particularly if your lawyer has a large firm and a substantial number of clients to contend with. But no matter the size of the office or the number of cases, you deserve to work with a lawyer who answers your questions promptly and keeps you updated on the status of your case. A client should not have to chase after their lawyer or have their calls or emails go unanswered.
Ultimately, a lack of consistent communication can put your patent in jeopardy. Before hiring a lawyer, be sure that you and your attorney are on the same page regarding communication, and if they can’t deliver on those promises, start researching the patent attorneys in the Dallas-Fort Worth area who can.
The process of applying for and obtaining a patent can be overwhelming and nerve racking. That’s why you need a dependable attorney in your corner. If you feel you made a mistake in hiring your last patent lawyer or you simply don’t know where to start, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Ready to talk through your options? Schedule a free consultation and get straightforward guidance on your next step.