California Inventors Assistance Program [CIAP]

Under Section 32 of the “America Invents Act,” the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) established a new pro bono 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. This program is called the CALIFORNIA INVENTORS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CIAP). 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.

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.

Success Story: 
​IP Watchdog: The Bill Carpenter Story: The Path to a Granted United States Patent -- a patent granted with the assistance of the CIAP.

There is additional information about the regional pro bono program at the USPTO website.  See this LINK to begin the financial screening for an application directly through CLA for the CIAP.

To begin a CIAP referral clients should start with the Financial Screening Application below. This application and supporting documentation is required for members of the inventor community seeking pro bono CIAP assistance. Please note this assistance may  NOT  be free. This financial assistance only means legal fees will be waived by the attorneys working on your matter. There may be other fees and costs associated with your matter that you will be responsible for paying such as filing fees, copying fees, search fees, etc. The attorneys helping you will not be able to pay these fees on your behalf.