Online patent can be located for free. You can conduct a patent search online using a variety of free resources:

1. Google Patents: Provides access to millions patents from multiple countries including the US, Europe and Japan.
2. The US Patent and Trademark Office allows you to view and search patents issued by USPTO. This includes full-text and image searches of patents dating back as far as 1790.
3. European Patent Office (EPO), provides access to patent databases, documents and information from the EPO including the European Patent Register.
4. World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), provides access to multiple patent databases, including the Patent Cooperation Treaty search system.
5. Patent pending: A free resource that offers information about the patent process and a searchable database with pending patent applications.

How to Get a Free Patent

A patent is a legal process that requires you to file a patent application with a government agency such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the European Patent Office. This process can be costly and requires the hiring of a patent attorney to prepare and file the application.

There is no free way to obtain a patent. You will need to pay government fees in order to obtain a patent. These fees can vary depending on where you live and what type of patent. Additional costs may be incurred for hiring a patent agent or attorney to help with the application process.

You may be able to obtain a patent without the expense. However, if you are unable to pay for a full patent application, there are other options. These include a provisional petition application that allows you to set a filing date and protect your intellectual property at a lower price. For advice about the best way to handle your situation, it’s a good idea to speak with an attorney or patent professional.

Free help for inventors

There are many resources that can help inventors with their invention.

• US Patent and Trademark Office: The USPTO provides free resources to inventors. This includes a tutorial about the patent process, information regarding patent search, and a list listing independent inventors’ organisations.
• Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA provides free resources to inventors and small business owners, including information about starting and growing small businesses, as well as access to training and counseling.
• Public libraries: There are many resources available to inventors in public libraries, including access databases of patent information and reference materials about the patent process.
• Online forums: Many online discussion groups and forums are available for inventors and entrepreneurs. Here you can find advice and support from other inventors.
• Technology transfer offices at universities: Many universities have technology transfer office that can offer support and resources for inventors and startups. They also have access to patent databases and expert advice in commercializing technology.

These resources are valuable, but it is important to remember that they may not be able to provide you with the right advice.  Thus, after you have helped yourself with free patent resources such as the ProvisionalBuilder(R) software from Inventiv, we recommend you seek help from a pro-bono patent attorney.

Pro bono patent attorney

Pro bono patent attorneys offer their services free of charge or at a reduced rate to inventors who cannot afford the cost to obtain a patent.

Many organizations offer pro bono assistance in patent matters to inventors.

• Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts provides pro bono legal support to artists. This includes help with trademark and patent issues.
• The Legal Aid Society: Provides pro bono legal assistance to low-income people, including help with trademark and patent issues.
• Patent Pro Bono Program: This national program connects low-income inventors to volunteer patent attorneys who can offer pro bono legal advice.
• The Inventors Assistance Center is a division within the US Patent and Trademark Office. It provides information and assistance for independent inventors.

Noting that pro bono attorneys are not always available in all areas, and that there might be a waiting list for certain services, is important. Pro bono patent attorneys may be able to provide valuable assistance and you should seek their advice about the best way to proceed in your particular situation.