Patents & Trademarks:
Patent searching will not be fast but it is very important. It’s surprising how many people file just for fun.. without taking the product any further, so take your time.
These are some helpful links that simplify very much the process.
*For trademark searches -> go here
*For patent searches -> go here
You might want to consider using a patent attorney to do a dirty search which can run approx $1000-$1500. They have advanced patent searches as well that cost a little more. We recommend at least a dirty search to start with.
Note: If you see a lot of patents that are similar to yours, then you should prepare yourself for being rejected. (rejections are common as amendments are usually done to make your product more unique) If not, they patent away.
We have legal counsel on our team for every startup ranging across all industry types. You couldn’t ask for a more hands on approach to your legal needs. Reach out to these partners for any advice, such as, deciding the most appropriate business structures during its formation, important forms for partnerships, venture capital investment advice.
You will need someone watching your corner of the dealmaking!!
We recommend Benjamin Brash and Jack Rukab:
https://www.jblegalpllc.com/
Lawyers make life easier.
They will assist you in evaluating your invention, filing a patent, and drawing up contracts for production and marketing. Payment is usually gradual.. use your connection with dadepesh. It will save you a considerable amount.
Dadepesh updates and negotiates fees with notable counsel that work mostly with startups.
upcounsel.com
Check out a non-for profit Invention Association League –
Legal consultations INEXPENSIVE.. fresh law school graduates. If you go online to – https://www.indeed.com/m
There are many young lawyers looking for work. You can hire them individually for a project like a patent search or application. You don’t have to hire them as full time, just offer them a paying opportunity for a service as needed.
YOU WANT FREE LEGAL ADVICE?
Law schools that have hands on training for their students and offer legal advice to new businesses.
In the New York Area:
Fordham University ENTREPRENEURIAL LAW CLINIC –
https://news.fordham.edu/law/law-clinic-provides-helping-hand-for-new-business-owners/
NYU School of Law –
http://www.law.nyu.edu/studentorganizations/social-enterprise-startup-law
BROOKLYN –
Even if the law school event is over , contact the school to find out when is the next one, or if there is a clinic running all year long.
Another way into the free door is to reach out to the people in charge of the programs and tell them you are a start up and could use their help and you wouldn’t mind working with students.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqQMrYGBYSjxxWXGjPPc0ux-TnkzKPYMoYPKRG5cyXlIwjbg/viewform
Top of the line patent attorney, If you don’t have the time to do any of the above:
Here is a link to Philip Braginsky:
http://www.tarterkrinsky.com/bios/philip-braginsky
These are lawyers specialize in patent law as a general whole.
There is actually a pro bono program called the USPT Pro Bono Program. It’s available in all 50 states.
Check out the link and watch the videos:
https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/uspto-videos/patents/intro-uspto-pro-bono-program
Keep in mind the program only covers the legal fees. You are responsible for the patent and administrative fees.
Another suggestion would be to go to local law schools and offer your product for analysis by their students and faculty. They will often choose interesting businesses and assist with their counsel free of charge, in exchange for teaching opportunities for their law students.