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Word
of Mouth
Most people find an attorney by word of mouth. This does not work
for inventors for two reasons. First, word of mouth means you will
have to disclose your ideas to others in order to get referred to
the attorney they know. Second, just because your neighbor hired a
patent attorney doesn’t mean it’s the best attorney for you. Did your
neighbor check the attorneys background or BAR record?
Phone Books / Internet Directories
Others still use the phone book to find an attorney. There are even Online Yellow Pages and Directory Services that provide a list of local attorneys. However a list or an advertisement doesn’t help you at all. You still have to call an interview each one… do you know what to ask? Will you speak with the Secretary or the Attorney? What if the best Attorney for you is not local?
Referral Services
Savvy inventors may use the BAR Association or other Referral Services. BEWARE! The BAR association is an organization run by Attorneys for Attorneys. Who’s best interest do you think they keep in mind… yours? Not likely. Deep in their own bi-laws, all Referral Services, including their own, cannot discriminate against any of their Attorney members. This means that they do not screen their Attorneys at all. Attorneys only need a license to practice law and have paid their membership dues to the BAR. You just get the next Attorney in line, regardless of your needs or the uniqueness of your invention.
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