California Inventors Assistance Program

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 six other western U.S. states (Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona).

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.

There is additional information about the regional pro bono program at the USPTO website:

See this LINK for information about the FEDERAL CIRCUIT BAR's National Clearinghouse for the pro bono program.
See this LINK to begin an application through the FEDERAL CIRCUIT BAR's National Clearinghouse.
See this LINK to begin the financial screening for an application directly through CLA for the CIAP.