Solo inventors and small groups of inventors may now be eligible for pro bono patent assistance. As part of the America Invents Act, Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham is part of a national program aimed to help those with limited financial resources obtain patents. Under current federal law, patents are given out on a “first to file the patent” basis and not a “first to invent” basis. Thus, VLB’s pro bono patent program is vital to protect solo inventors that lack the necessary means to obtain a patent.
VLB is the regional hub for solo inventors or a small group of inventors in Alabama and Mississippi that need help obtaining a patent. The program will help inventors find qualified pro bono patent agents and attorneys to help file a patent. To qualify for the program and be matched with an attorney, you must meet four basic requirements:
- Income eligibility
- Participate in USPTO’s online patent training module
- Creation of an actual invention (not just an idea)
- Completed prior art search
For a complete list of all requirements, please click here.
Qualification and placement is based on a case-by-case basis and there is no guarantee that you will be placed with a patent attorney.
VLB is also seeking attorneys throughout Alabama and Mississippi to pair with inventors. Please contact Twala Grant Wallace if you are a patent attorney interested in helping low-income citizens with pro bono patent assistance.
Income Eligibility
Income eligible inventors will be within 200% of the federal poverty level.
| 2023 POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA | |
|---|---|
| Persons in family/household | Poverty guideline |
| 1 | $14,580 |
| 2 | $19,720 |
| 3 | $24,860 |
| 4 | $30,000 |
| 5 | $35,140 |
| 6 | $40,280 |
| 7 | $45,420 |
| 8 | $50,560 |
| For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,140 for each additional person. | |
USPTO Online Patent Training Module
All inventors must complete the USPTO online training module or participate in an approved training seminar. To compete training module, click here.
Actual Invention
Interested inventors need to have more than just an idea before being eligible for the program. You should be able to describe your invention in a way that someone could actually make and use the invention. Please note: Do not publicly disclose your invention prior to filing a patent application or provisional application.
Prior Art Search
All inventors must complete a prior art search before being matched with an attorney. A prior art search will help the patent attorney determine whether or not an application can be filed. For a step-by-step guide on completing a prior art search, please click here.
Final Steps
Please click here to submit Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham Patent Application. You may email completed forms to Mercedes Davis at mdavis@volunteerlawyersbham.org or via mail to 2001 Park Place N Suite 430, Birmingham, AL 35203.
Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham 