- (303) 573-1302
- info@micasaresourcecenter.org
- 345 S GROVE ST, DENVER, CO 80219
Empowering
Innovation
Supported by the USPTO, the Patent Program provides free patent preparation and filing assistance, connecting visionary inventors with attorneys committed to turning ideas into protected patents.
THE OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM
Established under the America Invents Act and sponsored by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the program partners with pro bono attorneys and inventors to serve six states (Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho)
FOR INVENTORS
Learn how our program can connect you with skilled legal professionals to protect your intellectual property. We provide guidance and support for under-resourced inventors to help turn your ideas into reality.
FOR LAWYERS
Discover meaningful pro bono opportunities to assist the next generation of innovators. Lend your expertise to help guide inventors through the complexities of patent and trademark law and make a lasting impact.
Inventores
Important Notice for Applicants:
The Patent Program currently cannot accept applications from inventors in the following cases:
- Non-Provisional Application Preparation: We cannot assist with non-provisional applications if the filing deadline is within six months or less.
- Office Actions Response: We do not provide assistance in responding to Office Actions.
- Cannabis-Related Inventions: Applications related to cannabis or the cannabis industry are not accepted.
For assistance with tax preparation, please explore the resources available in your state:
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Montana
- New Mexico
- Utah
- Wyoming
Patent and Trademark Resource Centers: The Patent Program encourages all inventors to utilize the resources available at their state's Patent and Trademark Resource Center. Trained librarians can assist inventors in conducting patent searches in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) records.
The Patent Program is managed by Mi Casa Resource Center®, a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, in partnership with the Intellectual Property Sections of the Colorado and Utah Bar Associations.
For inquiries, please contact Randy Sasaki, Patent Program Administrator, at 303-539-5643 or via email at rsasaki@micasaresourcecenter.org. Please note that the Patent Program and Mi Casa Resource Center do not charge for legal advice. For more information and to access the application, visit https://micasaresourcecenter.org/probopat/.
Yes, once you are matched with an attorney, you are required to pay a $50 administrative fee to complete your application for the program. This fee can be paid by credit card or check, made out to Mi Casa Resource Center®.
Yes, but please contact the program administrator at 303-539-5643 for additional application details.
The program administrator will notify you once you have been successfully matched with a patent practitioner, which may take several months.
Once you are assigned to a patent practitioner, they will discuss your specific legal situation with you. Typically, the representation will be limited to a specific case and a defined timeframe or phase of patent prosecution. It is your responsibility to keep your application updated by notifying the administrator when your patent application is filed and providing the application number to continue receiving assistance.
NO. Please do not share confidential details about your invention with the Patent Program or Mi Casa Resource Center®. Such information is not required to determine your eligibility for the program.
The Patent Program only requires the following: 1. Title or name of the invention. 2. Inventor's background related to the invention. and 3. A summary of the primary subject matter, each limited to 250 words. Providing general information about your invention (such as whether it involves hardware, software, a recipe, or a process) helps the administrator and/or attorney understand the foundation of your invention.
Comienza ahora
Submit your application for free using the button below.
Submit ApplicationPlease Note:
- Applicants will be required to pay a $50 administrative fee once you are paired with an attorney.
- Applicants will also be responsible for up to $500 of processing fees to the USPTO when a patent is filed.
For Lawyers
Join Us in Supporting Innovation
The Patent Program invites all patent attorneys and agents who are registered and in good standing with the USPTO and covered by malpractice insurance to volunteer their services to support low-income inventors. Innovation is a key driver of economic growth and global competitiveness. Throughout history, from the invention of the wheel to the development of the internet, innovation has spurred the creation of new products, services, and industries, resulting in job creation, enhanced living standards, and generational wealth.
Research indicates that low-income individuals contribute significantly to U.S. innovation.
For more information about volunteering, please ENTER here.
In response to the America Invents Act, the USPTO established pro bono programs nationwide to assist low-income inventors with patent prosecution. In this effort, the Colorado Bar Association Intellectual Property Section and Mi Casa Resource Center®, in partnership with the USPTO, launched the Pro Bono Patent Initiative, also known as the Patent Program.
You are donating your time, as well as the time of any paralegals or staff who assist with the inventor. The inventor is responsible for all filing fees.
Attorneys in Colorado and/or Utah participating in pro bono representation may request Continuing Legal Education Credits (CLE) credits for billable-equivalent hours.
To qualify for the program, applicants must be individual residents of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming with an annual income at or below three times the federal poverty guidelines, as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
| Persons/household | Poverty Guideline | 3x's Fed Poverty Level |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,060 | $45,180 |
| 2 | $20,440 | $61,320 |
| 3 | $25,820 | $77,460 |
| 4 | $31,200 | $93,600 |
| 5 | $36,580 | $109,740 |
| 6 | $41,960 | $125,880 |
| 7 | $47,340 | $142,020 |
| 8 | $52,720 | $158,160 |
Currently, the Patent Program has a waitlist of over 20 inventors, with a typical wait time of four to six months for matching with a patent practitioner. To address this demand, the program is actively seeking attorneys and patent agents to volunteer.
You might be thinking that while this sounds great in theory, you're busy, and many firms don't have pro bono requirements. Volunteering with the Patent Program not only helps these inventors but also provides opportunities for you and your colleagues to mentor junior staff and gain valuable experience.
Ready to get started?
Please submit your registration form using the button below
RegisterQuestions?:
- Please contact Randy Sasaki 303-539-5643
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