Filing for a Patent Yourself

Technically speaking, individuals can file a patent application for themselves, however, the costs associated with a failed filing application, as well as the detailed, complex, and in-depth documentation necessary, makes filing a patent application for yourself a difficult task at best.  In some instances, individuals may also decide to comprise a first draft of their patent application and forward this application to a patent lawyer who will produce a final draft of the patent application.  Again, this process may prove counterproductive, as the rough draft of the patent application may only provoke more work on the end of the patent attorney, and in turn, incur more costs to an inventor, in the event the patent application is not in suitable shape for deciphering or use.

If you would like to file for a patent, it is always recommended to consult with an intellectual property lawyer first.

A patent lawyer is specifically trained in the procedures, process, and filing demands for all types of patent applications in most instances, which can prove to be of endless value to inventors at the end of the day.  In many instances, the collaboration between a patent attorney and an inventor produces an excellent patent application with a high level of detail within the confines of the application rules for the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  Inventors must keep in mind that these applications are often highly detailed in nature and undergo scrutiny from a review board within the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which can elect to issue or deny patent rights.  Even provisional patents are best submitted under the counsel of an experienced patent attorney.

Nevertheless, without the information, documentation, drawings, and other applicable background information provided by inventor clients, a patent attorney could not accurately organize and file a patent application, regardless of the type of patent application it is.  For this reason, clients of patent lawyers are often heavily involved in the preparation and submission process.  The costs associated with a collaborative effort in comparison to those done solely by the inventor may be significant larger, however, the potential of having an application turned down due to format or other technical errors is significantly larger for individuals attempting to file patents for themselves. 

 For individuals filing a patent application pro se, or for themselves, the United States Patent and Trademark Office does offer a large amount of assistance in helping individuals prepare their patent application, as well as what to expect following the application submission.  Regardless of the manner that individuals or entities choose to pursue when filing their patent application, the United States Patent and Trademark Office still charges fees that will cost a reasonably large amount of money, especially in the event that a patent application is not approved.