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In this segment, we will examine how the Patent
Pro Bono program is structured throughout

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the United States.

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At this time, the pro bono program is available
throughout the fifty states through a network

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of Pro Bono regional hubs.

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A Pro Bono regional program covers a single
state or multiple states.

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An inventor residing in a state would apply
to the regional program covering that state.

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The USPTO has worked with a different non-profit
organization to establish and administer the program.

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For example, the Arts and Business Council
administer the regional program that covers

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inventors residing in Maine, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

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The needs of the local community are taken
into account when setting the criteria for

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admittance into the Pro Bono Program.

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Each region decides the requirement standards
for inventor participation in the program,

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performs the intake function, screens potential
clients, screens potential volunteer patent

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attorneys, and attempts to match the qualified
applicant with an appropriate volunteer attorney.

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When an attorney is matched, the attorney
will consult with the inventor and agree to

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a set of services, such as filing a new application
or filing a response to the office in connection

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with an application already on file with the
USPTO.

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Please note that although the attorney does
not charge a fee, the inventor is still responsible

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for all of USPTO filing and processing fees.

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There also may be associated administrative
fees for applying to the Pro Bono program.

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In addition, many regional programs offer
educational outreach to inventors

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relating to the patent process, as well as training
volunteer attorneys.