Frequently Asked Questions
Consultations, fees, meetings, and common questions about patents and trademarks
Is the first consultation free?
Yes. The first 15 minutes are free, by video or in person, by appointment.
Does contacting the firm, or a consultation, make me a client?
No. An attorney-client relationship begins only when an engagement letter has been signed. Please do not send confidential information before then.
How do you bill?
Most work is billed hourly, and the starting rate for each practice area is shown on its page. Some defined work, such as real estate closings and research projects, can be done for a flat fee; ongoing corporate counsel can be arranged on a retainer; and contingency arrangements are available to employees in some employment matters.
How can I pay?
PayPal, Zelle, check, wire transfer and other methods.
Can we meet by video?
Yes. Meetings are by video or in person, by appointment.
Where can you represent me?
The firm’s attorneys are licensed in Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia and registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Patent and trademark matters before the USPTO can be handled for clients anywhere in the United States.
What is the difference between a provisional and a non-provisional patent application?
A provisional application secures a filing date for twelve months and is not examined. To keep the benefit of that date, a non-provisional application must be filed within the twelve months. The non-provisional application is the one the USPTO examines.
Should I search before filing a trademark application?
Usually, yes. A clearance search can show conflicting marks before you invest in a name, and before the USPTO raises them in an office action.
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Contact the firmGeneral information only, not legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship.