Is it necessary to hire a lawyer to submit a patent application?

There is no requirement that an inventor hire a lawyer to help with a patent application, but it is advisable. Patent law is a complex mix of intellectual property law and technical information, and for this reason patent lawyers are trained in the patent process and in one or more technical or scientific fields. Before an inventor applies for a patent, a lawyer can make a preliminary patent search to determine if someone else already has patented the invention. The lawyer also can advise the inventor on whether the invention meets the legal requirements for patentability. A patent lawyer who is familiar with the procedures of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) can make the patent application process easier. To apply for a patent, the inventor must submit an application to the USPTO, including specifications and drawings of the proposed invention, an oath signed by the inventor, and a fee. The specification is a complete written description of the invention, which includes ...