Patent Clinic

Resources for Inventors

“The patent system added the fuel of interest to the fire of genius.” - Abraham Lincoln

“One might think that the money value of an invention constitutes its reward to the man who loves his work. But... I continue to find my greatest pleasure, and so my reward, in the work that precedes what the world calls success.”
- Thomas Edison

Being named an inventor on an issued patent continues to be a rewarding achievement and allows common people to join the ranks of individuals such as President Lincoln (who was the only U.S. president who has received a U.S. patent) and Steve Jobs, just to name a few. At the same time, it is also paramount for inventors to recognize and consider the commercial aspects of their inventions as the patent applications progress through the patent system. Some patents may never have any commercial value while others gain instant market acceptance. It is also common that additional resources, trial and error, and repeated failures, are required before any money-making return is realized from an issued patent.

John Marshall's Patent Clinic provides inventors like you with assistance navigating the U.S. patent system. The following documents will help you in your pursuits:

These guides provide general and foundational information about the US patent system. Changes to patenting are likely as the patent law is amended from time to time. For example, the Patent Act was amended by America Invents Act on September 16, 2011, and the amendments drastically change the U.S. patent practice.

As such, after reviewing the guides above and if you would like to submit your invention for consideration, please download and complete the invention disclosure questionnaire and send it to us at the address shown on the “Contact Us” page.

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