Get Help
The following is a list of pro bono law clinics around the US specializing in patent law. Since patent law is so complicated, we highly recommend you get legal help for your situation, rather than going at it alone!
Pro bono means their services are free, though there may be some eligibility criteria (which we've listed next to the resource). Even if you don't meet the criteria, it doesn't hurt to reach out as they may be able to direct you to services that can help you.
Some clinics work with inventors anywhere in the US, while others work with people from a particular state or region. Make sure you reach out to clinics that cover your state.
And remember: don't panic. Help is out there!
Suffolk Law School Intellectual Property & Entrepreneurship Clinic
Contact: Loletta Darden ldarden@suffolk.edu
Covers: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island
Intellectual Property and Technology Clinic, University of Southern California
Contact: ipt@law.usc.edu / (213) 740-7088
Covers: All States
American University, Washington College of Law
Contact: ipclinic@wcl.american.edu / 202-274-4148
Covers: District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia
Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law
Contact: patentclinic@smu.edu
Covers: Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas and Northern Texas on a limited basis; only applicants who cannot otherwise afford an attorney
Entrepreneurial Law Clinic, University of Washington School of Law
Contact: eleinfo@uw.edu / 206-616-5854
Covers: IP-related services for low-income Washington state residents
Washington Pro Bono Patent Network, University of Washington School of Law
Contact: wapatent@uw.edu
Covers: IP-related services for low-income Washington state residents
Indiana University Maurer School of Law
Contact: Professor Norman Hedges ipclinic@indiana.edu
Covers: Indiana
Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston, Patent Pro Bono Program of New England
Contact: Luke Blackadar, luke@artsandbusinesscouncil.org
Covers: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Rhode Island