We take confidentiality seriously. We understand that many clients are extremely protective and reluctant to give up information relating to their invention or business. This is, of course, the prudent thing to do. Our goal, however, is to help you. In order to help you it will be necessary for you to provide us with information that should legally remain confidential. As a patent attorney I am legally required to keep information confidential, as are people who work for me. As soon as you contact us to seek professional assistance the law places upon us the requirement that any and all communications remain confidential. This is true even if we ultimately do not enter into a representation or services agreement.
Certain confidential information may
All patent attorneys and patent agents, and those who work for us under our direction, are required by the USPTO to maintain the confidences and secrets of their clients. This legal requirement is set forth in 37 C.F.R. § 11.106. Furthermore, 37 C.F.R. § 11.118 specifically relates to prospective clients (i.e., one who makes contact to ask questions or seek advice and has not yet, or may never, enter into a representation relationship). 37 C.F.R. § 11.118 specifically states: “Even when no client-practitioner relationship ensues, a practitioner who has had discussions with the prospective client shall not use or reveal information learned in the consultation…”
Nevertheless, to specifically allay any fears, we will protect confidential information learned from a client or potential client as required by 37 C.F.R. § 11.106.
Updated: May 21, 2015.