Patent Law Practice Center

USPTO Gets Support for National Pro Bono Program

In the name of promoting innovation and equal access to the patent application process, the America Invents Act provides that the USPTO should  “work with and support intellectual property law associations across the country in the establishment of pro bono programs designed to assist financially under-resourced independent inventors and small businesses.”  As such, the USPTO has wasted no time in implementing the programs. A pilot pro bono patent program was established in Minnesota in 2011, and another 5 programs are scheduled to begin in 2012. (more…)