Rhode Island

Patent Pro Bono Program

Rhode Island inventors are served by the Patent Pro Bono Program of New England, part of the USPTO's nationwide pro bono program that matches inventors who qualify (based on income) with volunteer attorneys and patent professionals that will help you file your patent application. 

Law school clinics

Rhode Island inventors and entrepreneurs can obtain free legal help for both patent and trademark matters by contacting:

• Roger Williams University School of Law clinic: bsuc@rwu.edu (trademarks)
• Suffolk University Law School clinic: ldarden@suffolk.edu (patents and trademarks)

In addition to the law school clinics listed above, there are 19 law school clinics that provide free patent and trademark services to all residents of the United States regardless of location. 

Certain libraries throughout the United States are designated as Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC), which provide resources and trained staff to help customers use and understand USPTO information and filing systems. Rhode Island is served by the following PTRCs:

Providence Public Library - Providence

Every day the USPTO hosts events across the country geared just for aspiring inventors and entrepreneurs, from trademark basics to patent search workshop. Check our USPTO event calendar and find something near you today.

Inventor clubs and organizations can be a great way to connect with local inventors and entrepreneurs and open more doors to resources and opportunities. If you represent an inventor group or nonprofit and would like to have your organization listed here, please email InnovationDevelopment@uspto.gov.

Rhode Island Commerce