Choosing one of the many intellectual property firms can be daunting. We’ll help you figure out how to find one.
Intellectual property firms are unique given the particular nature of their legal practice. Whether you have a new idea or are trying to protect an existing one, finding the right firm is a critical decision. But how do you know if you’ve found the right group of attorneys? Read on to find out.
Ask Your Attorney for a Recommendation
If you already have a lawyer, they can be the first person you ask for a recommendation on a good intellectual property firm – also known as an “IP firm.” Depending on their level of intellectual property experience, your current attorney may also be able to identify issues or questions you need to have your new IP attorney answer or address.
Determine Your Intellectual Property Legal Need
Why do you need to hire an intellectual property firm? Do you need help getting a patent or negotiating a licensing agreement? Have you been sued (or plan to sue someone else) in an intellectual property dispute? Or perhaps you need both types of services. Either way, understand that some IP firms will focus on one area more than the other; while other firms work to find a balance in both areas.
Identify the Specific Intellectual Property Assistance You Need
Even though intellectual property is one of many legal practice areas, there are also many practice subsets that attorneys will choose to focus on. For example, were you sued for allegedly violating someone else’s copyright? Or do you think you just discovered the next big cancer drug and want to get it patented? Some IP law firms will only be able to handle one of those legal matters. However, some of the larger law firms with intellectual property practices will be happy to tackle both issues, although through different attorneys.
Research Intellectual Property Law Firms
Once you have an idea of what you legal needs are, search online to find firms with experience in a given area of intellectual property practice. You can look at attorney bios and see if the legal professionals who will be working on your case have the professional background to handle your legal matter.
Meet with the Intellectual Property Firm
You are a potential client and the firm wants your business, so don’t be afraid to ask in-depth questions to ensure your prospective attorneys know their stuff. You will also discuss your case. At this point, the level of legal advice you get will be minimal since this meeting is likely free or the firm is charging a very small fee. Finally, don’t dismiss how well you like or get along with the attorney or group of attorneys. You may be spending a lot of time with them discussing crucial matters. If you don’t like or trust your attorney or firm, they will not be able to represent you to the best of their ability.
Get in Touch with an Intellectual Property Firm Today
Intellectual property is a unique area of the law. In fact, certain intellectual property practice areas have specially licensed attorneys to handle certain types of cases. To find out if you need the services of an intellectual property firm, call the Wilbanks Law Firm, P.C. at (706) 786-4649 now.
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