The Pro Bono program launched in June 2011 was designed to assist financially under-resourced independent inventors and small businesses. The USPTO has recently announced a new charter agreement placing the responsibility of the regional pro bono programs in the hands of a newly formed advisory council. Over 30 representatives from regional inventor assistance programs, major IP associations and IP law school programs were present at the ceremony that took place in the chambers of Chief Judge Randall Rader of the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on Friday, October 25. The advisory council will be responsible for the existing pro bono programs and those yet to come.To learn more about the Pro Bono program, go to the following USPTO internet pages:
- http://www.uspto.gov/inventors/proseprobono/index.jsp
- From the Director’s blog: http://www.uspto.gov/blog/director/entry/new_pilot_program_to_provide (Jun 20, 2011)
- Articles in Inventor’s Eye about the pro bono program:
- http://www.uspto.gov/inventors/independent/eye/201212/ProBONO.jsp (December 2012)
- http://www.uspto.gov/inventors/independent/eye/201108/probono.jsp (August/September 2012)
A link to the Pro Bono page also appears on Fondren's Inventor Resources/Training page.