Under Section 32 of the “America Invents Act,” the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) established a new pro bono program, the California Inventors Assistance Program, designed to assist financially under-resourced independent inventors and small businesses.

CLA was selected as the statewide Administrator of the program throughout California to process pro bono intakes in conjunction with the USPTO.  The CIAP also currently provides services to five western U.S. states (Hawaii, Alaska, Oregon, California and Nevada). 

See this LINK for information from the USPTO about pro bono services for patent applicants.

This article published in the Managing IP profiles the CIAP and other pro bono patent programs.

To Begin a CIAP Referral:

• Complete the Referral Request located at this link. This application and a financial screening application with supporting documentation is required for members of the inventor community seeking pro bono CIAP assistance.

• CLICK HERE for a 39 minute, 30-module informational video/certification program: "Basic Patent Training for Independent Inventors and Small Businesses." Independent inventor applicants are required to review and complete this video material PRIOR to receiving assistance under the CIAP.