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Picture this, you're ready to work on your patent application and take your idea to the next level. Who do you call for help? Hi, inventors. I'm John Rizvi, the patent professor, and I help inventors become successful by being more informed about patent laws and how to protect their rights. Today, I'm going to go over the difference between a Patent Agent, patent attorney and a patent examiner. But first what to each of these positions have in common, you can find all three conveniently housed at the patent professor. Though each role is available in our law firm. They all differ in their responsibilities and how they work together to help you achieve your business initiatives and goals. Let's start with a Patent Agent. A Patent Agent or patent practitioner is licensed and has the authority by the patent office to prepare, file and prosecute patent applications within the United States Patent and Trademark Office. However, unlike a patent attorney, patent agents cannot practice law, they can't draft contracts and non disclosure agreements or represent you in any legal matters involving your patent. That means if you need advice on patent infringement, non disclosure agreements, licensing or any legal support, then you need to seek the help of a patent attorney, that with a patent attorney, you get the same skills you get with a Patent Agent, but with more authority and training to defend you and your patent. Some people choose patent agents because there's a myth that agents are cheaper, whereas patent attorneys and the lawyer li billable hour can get expensive. That's where the patent office differs. At my firm. We work on a flat fee. And you can ask questions and receive all the legal advice from your patent attorney at no additional cost without worrying about being charged hourly rates. Now a patent examiner is another position to be familiar with. These are the people working with the patent office to determine whether or not you get a patent. Think of them as the judges that determine if your idea is patentable. Now remember earlier how I said we have patent agents, attorneys and patent examiner's working for us. It's true. However, the patent examiner's on our team are former examiner's they used to work at the patent office, but they've decided to take their knowledge and use of expertise in analyzing patents for approvals or denials. And they've left the patent office and now provide advice just for our clients. Very few law firms have former Patent Office examiner's working for them full time in house, helping assist me in maximizing the chances of a patent approval. If you work with us, we will consult with a former examiner and our entire team will work together to help maximize your chances of getting a patent approved. And to wrap it all up. A patent agent can help you file and prepare a patent. A patent attorney can help with everything a Patent Agent does, plus offer legal advice and help when things go wrong.