Q: How do I obtain a patent for a tool I invented? Its a mechanics tools?
I have requested the services of a patent company, but was warned by an attorney to check into it myself.
A:
It is at least possible that there is a patent services firm that is worth the money so I won't say that all are bad. However, that group of companies has a horrible reputation.
There are a number of invention promotion firms that take money from inventors and provide little or no value back. I do not know all these companies and cannot say for certain that there is not at least one that earns the money paid by inventors, but I have seen some really bad results. The United States Patent and Trademark Office has a web page that leads to a place where complaints can be submitted against invention promotion firms.
https://www.uspto.gov/patents-getting-started/using-legal-services/scam-prevention
The United States Patent and Trademark Office publishes complaints against invention promotion firms and their responses. Some of the page links seem to have gone bad but at least some of the newer complaints can be reviewed. Keep in mind that these invention promotion firms will sometimes close down and form a new company with a slightly different name. So not finding a complaint does not guarantee that the invention promotion firm is reputable.
https://www.uspto.gov/patents-getting-started/using-legal-services/scam-prevention/published-complaints/published
The FTC has the authority to discipline invention promotion firms that take advantage of an inventor’s enthusiasm. They provide guidance on the topic of Invention Promotion Firms.
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0184-invention-promotion-firms
I hope this helps.
Kevin E Flynn
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