Find Expert Advice
Finding a lawyer
Useful advice on how to obtain a lawyer and what kinds of questions to ask for effective protection of IP Rights. This material was created by the EU-funded China IPR SME Helpdesk, but the checklist and advice offered may be helpful in selecting an IPR lawyer in many countries and situations.
International IPR Advisory Program with the American Bar Association
The U.S. Department of Commerce established a program with the American Bar Association (ABA) through which U.S. small-and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) can request a free, one-hour consultation with a volunteer attorney. U.S. businesses learn how to protect and enforce their IPR from attorneys who are knowledgeable in both industry IPR issues and a particular country. Expertise is now available for Brazil, Russia, India, China, Egypt, Thailand, Kenya, Ghana, Mozambique, Angola, Senegal, Nigeria, Colombia, Mexico, Indonesia, Vietnam, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, and South Africa.
See also: International IPR Advisory Program on ABA website
China Intellectual Property Rights Advisory Program
This program is a sister program to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International IPR Advisory Program, which also provides free expert guidance to U.S. SMEs on IPR, but is limited to the Chinese market.
U.S. Export Legal Assistance Network (ELAN)
ELAN is a nationwide group of attorneys in private law firms around the U.S. that volunteer to provide an initial legal consultation free of charge to companies just beginning to export. Under ELAN, knowledgeable lawyers help new export companies learn the legal aspects of international trade, including issues relating to intellectual property rights.
China IPR SME Helpdesk
European SMEs can obtain free first-level advice from the Helpdesk's experts by going to the 'Ask a Question' form.
U.S. Patent Trademark Depository Libraries (PTDL)
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office offers PTDLs which are a rich local resource for small businesses, research and development firms, university and governmental laboratories, and independent inventors and entrepreneurs. Services at the libraries are free, and include assistance in accessing and using patent and trademark documents, training on USPTO databases, obtaining access to the USPTO Web site, and hosting public seminars.
www.StopFakes.gov and STOP Hotline
The site allows businesses to file complaints about IPR-related trade problems, which are answered within ten days by a trade specialist from the Office of Intellectual Property Rights. The Department of Commerce also established the 1-866-999-HALT hotline answered by U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) IPR experts, who work with the Office of Intellectual Property Rights to help businesses secure and enforce their IPR through international treaties. If you are uncertain about what U.S. resource is right for you www.stopfakes.gov is the best place to start.
