Understandably, conveying your invention to anyone who knows nothing about it is going to be difficult. Therefore, it's best if you are in direct inventors corner. You can meet face-to-face and show the patent attorney any prototypes or drawings you might want to help illustrate your invention. As you can probably guess, the method will go more smoothly if you utilize a patent attorney in your area. Though it can be achieved, a long distance relationship is only going to strain the process.
Probably the the easy way decide on a patent attorney in your city is thru word of mouth. To assist find referrals (also to associate with other people who have interests just like yours), you may want to join a local inventors club. You may also read through the USPTO's list of registered patent attorneys or even just use their database to check on your potential patent attorney's credentials.
If you are looking for a suitable patent attorney, you need to inquire about their experience and background. Question them what degrees they hold, time they've spent writing and prosecuting patents, as well as the number of patents granted. Get references from previous clients and call them to check out their knowledge about the patent attorney.
When picking a patent attorney, you'll want to hire a roofer which specializes in the field your invention is related to. Patent attorneys are not equal in all areas. For starters, what is their degree(s) in? This is really important. Some patent attorneys may degree in engineering. Other patent attorneys is going to be skilled in the area of biology, others physics yet others, computer science. You don't want to bring your newly invented cell line (yes you can patent may be) to a patent attorney with a background in electrical engineering. You'll need a patent attorney having a background in biology to assist you using this type of invention.
For those who have a simple invention, selecting a patent attorney having a general mechanical engineering background will most likely save you some money. Specialized professionals usually charge more.
You need their background your invention type to complement as closely as possible. Writing patent applications is a little a skill. Obviously, a patent attorney will be handy to help you from the legalese, there is additionally a great deal of knowledge and specific technical detail that have to go together with it. This is why patent attorneys will need to have technical backgrounds.