In this segment, we will examine how the Patent Pro Bono program is structured throughout
the United States.
At this time, the pro bono program is available throughout the fifty states through a network
of Pro Bono regional hubs.
A Pro Bono regional program covers a single state or multiple states.
An inventor residing in a state would apply to the regional program covering that state.
The USPTO has worked with a different non-profit organization to establish and administer the program.
For example, the Arts and Business Council administer the regional program that covers
inventors residing in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
The needs of the local community are taken into account when setting the criteria for
admittance into the Pro Bono Program.
Each region decides the requirement standards for inventor participation in the program,
performs the intake function, screens potential clients, screens potential volunteer patent
attorneys, and attempts to match the qualified applicant with an appropriate volunteer attorney.
When an attorney is matched, the attorney will consult with the inventor and agree to
a set of services, such as filing a new application or filing a response to the office in connection
with an application already on file with the USPTO.
Please note that although the attorney does not charge a fee, the inventor is still responsible
for all of USPTO filing and processing fees.
There also may be associated administrative fees for applying to the Pro Bono program.
In addition, many regional programs offer educational outreach to inventors
relating to the patent process, as well as training volunteer attorneys.