Citrus Heights, CA asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) for California

Q: Do Patent Attorneys provide a free consult to determine if an idea is in conflict with an existing one similar in nature

I have done research and see that there is a patent on something similar to what I have developed but with some major differences.

2 Lawyer Answers

A: I am not a patent attorney, but I don't believe patent attorneys provide a free consult to determine if an idea is in conflict with an existing one similar in nature. That would most likely be part of their legal services. That task could be very time consuming.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Many patent attorneys offer an initial consultation at no cost to help you understand your situation better. This meeting gives you the opportunity to explain your idea and share the research you've done on existing patents.

The attorney can review the similarities and differences between your concept and the existing patent you found. They can provide insight into whether your idea might conflict with current patents and discuss possible ways to proceed.

It's a good idea to contact a few local patent attorneys in Citrus Heights to ask about their consultation policies. This will help you find someone who can guide you through the next steps and ensure your idea is properly evaluated.

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