C3 Patent and Intellectual Property Law

May152009 | Steve O'Donnell

Advantages of a local patent attorney

Should you choose a local patent attorney to prosecute your application? For the most part, it doesn't make a difference where your patent attorney lives, but many people do feel more comfortable working with someone near them.

Unlike many other legal practices, the location of your patent attorney is not critical. Patent law is a federal creature and not state-specific. Your patent attorney will not need to go to a local court to prosecute a patent. I know patent attorneys that have never met a client in person. Many more have at least some clients that they have never met in person. Similarly, your patent attorney doesn't even need to be located or licensed in your state. Your patent attorney only needs an internet connection; many applications are prosecuted without even a phone call between the client and the attorney.

On the other hand, there are reasons to work with a local patent attorney. Many people feel more comfortable working with someone they can look in the eye, even if they never actually do. Also, there is something to be said for keeping your local economy strong.

Whether or not you choose to work with a local patent attorney is up to you. There are advantages to hiring a local attorney, but they aren't critical.