This is the second post on the first meeting with a patent attorney. The first could be found here.

Here are the questions that I typically like to ask a potential new client or a new client during our first meeting. If you would like to see the questions that I often receive during the first meeting, please check this previous blog post.

(1) Give me the 30,000 foot view. Can you give me a one-minute overview of your widget, gadget, or amazing new creation?

This helps to break the ice and lets me understand whether I might be the best person for you to speak with. There may be another patent attorney that could be a better fit.

(2a) Have you published information about your invention in a paper, on the internet, presented at a conference, or discussed it with others? If so, when did you first publish or discuss it?

In the United States, you have one year to file a patent application if you have disclosed it publicly. If it’s too late we can usually stop the conversation.

(2b) Have you sold your amazing widget, gadget, or new creation? If so, when did you sell it?

In the United States, you have one year to file a patent application if you have sold your amazing widget. If it’s too late we can usually stop the conversation.

(3) What problem are you solving? How have others attempted to solve this same problem? Why is your solution to the problem so innovative?

This is really important. Your patent attorney needs to understand why you have created your amazing new widget and what are the most important parts of it that make it potentially patentable.

(4) Does your invention help save money, time, or some other resource?

How does the fancy widget help save money, time, or some other resource? Your patent attorney will want to know how and why it works.

(5) Can you explain to me in detail and/or prepare a document that explains in detail how to make the invention and how to use the invention? Please include drawings/diagrams even if they are handdrawn. You can include block diagrams, flowcharts, and other types of drawings.

This could set the table for a next meeting where more details are disclosed. During our first call or meeting, I do not usually expect to go into the details or the weeds. However, pictures are extremely important and worth their weight in gold. It does not matter if the pictures are handdrawn or snapshots of your amazing widget from your phone.

Please contact john@freship.com for more information or to ask your own questions.

This is the second post on the first meeting with a patent attorney. The first could be found here.