Can I File My Own Patent Application Without a Lawyer?

In a recent episode of his webinar “Ask the Patent Professor®”, John Rizvi, a patent attorney and founder of The Patent Professor® law firm, addressed a participant who had started working on her own patent application, and wanted to know if she had a good chance of being successful and obtaining a patent without a patent attorney’s help.

In this video, John explains how filing an application for a trademark, copyright, and patent each present different levels of difficulty if you’re taking a DIY approach.

He also explains which part of a patent application is most important to put into the hands of a skilled and experienced patent lawyer, as well as potential consequences of filing your own patent application if you’re not a patent attorney, including weak protection for your invention.

If you’re thinking of licensing or selling your patent for profit, John explains how filing your own patent application can make your invention or product less valuable and attractive to potential buyers and licensees.

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[madnessintomagic]

I’ve already filed my own provisional patent application, and it’s expiring in 3 weeks. I’m a procrastinator, so currently having a meltdown. Problem is the “Patent Center” website RARELY loads properly. It’s a nightmare. And their website/the system is just ridiculous. All I want to do is fill out the basic form, whatever is required different from my provisional form, and re-file with all the same content. It **SHOULD** take me no more than an hour. And cost the bare minimum. But no. No. We have to make it as hard as humanly possible for no good reason whatsoever.

[legendarysermons]

Should i at least consult with lawyer when filing first provisional??? and should a provisional always include: The 'object' AND the method" for said object" if it can apply to the invention in some way? Or leave that for attorney to decide when actually filing for the non-provisional?

[realjohnjones]

Is there a risk my patent lawyer gives away my ideas or is this a rare occurence?