As you can imagine, conveying your invention to someone who knows nothing regarding it will probably be difficult. Therefore, it's best if you're in direct I want to patent my idea. You can meet face-to-face and show the patent attorney any prototypes or drawings you might want to help illustrate your invention. That you can probably guess, the process goes more smoothly if you utilize a patent attorney in your area. Even though it can be achieved, a lengthy distance relationship will only strain the process.
Possibly the easy pick a patent attorney in your city is thru word of mouth marketing. To help find referrals (and also to accompany others who have interests much like yours), you might like to join a local inventors club. You may also read through the USPTO's set of registered patent attorneys or even just use their database to check on your potential patent attorney's credentials.
When you're 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 variety of patents granted. Get references from previous clients and call them to ask about their experience with the patent attorney.
When choosing a patent attorney, it's also important to hire a company which specializes in the area your invention relates to. Patent attorneys aren't equal in most areas. First of all, what's their degree(s) in? This is really important. Some patent attorneys may degree in engineering. Other patent attorneys will probably be skilled in the field of biology, others physics and yet others, information technology. Ensure take the newly invented cell line (you can patent may be) to some patent attorney having a background in electrical engineering. You would want a patent attorney using a background in biology to assist you using this kind of invention.
For those who have a fundamental invention, going with a patent attorney with a general mechanical engineering background will likely save some cash. Specialized professionals usually charge more.
You want their background and your invention type to fit as closely as you possibly can. Writing patent applications is a bit of an art. Obviously, a patent attorney comes in handy that will help you through the legalese, a big significant amounts of knowledge and particular technical detail that must accompany it. For this reason patent attorneys must have technical backgrounds.