• Frequently Asked Questions

• Inventor Application Form

• Sponsor List

• Volunteer Interest Form

What is ProBoPat^TM

As part of the implementation of the America Invents Act, the United States Patent and Trademark Office is establishing pro bono programs all across the country to help low-income inventors prosecute their patents. As part of this initiative, the Colorado Bar Association Intellectual Property Section and the Mi Casa Resource Center, in conjunction with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, have established the Colorado Pro Bono Patent Initiative or the ProBoPat program. The ProBoPat program seeks to connect low income Colorado inventors with Colorado patent professionals for patent preparation and prosecution legal services on a pro bono or significantly reduced-fee basis.

How does ProBoPat work?

ProBoPat is a program funded by outside sources, like you, that connects attorneys willing to prosecute patents with low income inventors. Upon contacting the ProBoPat program, a ProBoPat-dedicated program administrator at the Mi Casa Resource Center makes an initial determination about whether the one or more inventors are eligible for participation in the ProBoPat program based upon the inventor’s annual income or the inventors’ aggregate annual income. Upon satisfying this eligibility requirement, the ProBoPat program endeavors to identify a licensed patent attorney(s) willing to assist the eligible inventor(s) on a free or low-fee basis. Once an eligible inventor is paired with an attorney, ProBoPat’s role is complete and the representation of the inventor occurs in the ordinary course, as determined by agreement between the participating attorney and the eligible inventor(s). ProBoPat will track, at a high-level, the program outcomes, including the number of inventors assisted, the types of technology involved in the patent prosecution, and the number of patents granted. ProBoPat’s volunteers will also provide periodic educational programs about intellectual property rights through the Mi Casa Resource Center.

Why should I or my company or firm contribute to the ProBoPat program?

You should consider contributing to the ProBoPat program because the ProBoPat program:

• Promotes small business growth and entrepreneurialism in Colorado.
• Reinforces Colorado’s reputation as an incubator for high technology solutions.
• Educates low income inventors / small businesses about the patent process.
• Encourages mentoring among the Colorado patent bar, especially of students or less experienced practitioners.
• Provides patent practitioners with additional pro bono participation opportunities.
• Gives in-house counsel an opportunity to handle pro bono matters and interact with outside firms.

How is ProBoPat administered?

ProBoPat is administered by a dedicated ProBoPat program administrator at the Mi Casa Resource Center, a Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that is acting as a fiscal sponsor of the Intellectual Property Section of the Colorado Bar Association (the Colorado IP Section). A steering committee formed by the Colorado IP Section monitors the effectiveness of the ProBoPat program and makes recommendations for improvements to the Mi Casa Resource Center.

Who appoints the steering members?

The Officers of the Colorado IP Section appoint the steering committee members in accordance with the Bylaws of the Colorado IP Section. The current committee members (and expiration of their terms) are:

• Nina Wang, co-chair, Faegre Baker Daniels LLP (Term – December 31, 2012)
• Ben Fernandez, co-chair, Faegre Baker Daniels LLP (Term – December 31, 2013)
• Bryan Caylor, Summit Investment Management LLC (Term – December 31, 2013)
• John T. Kennedy, Dorsey & Whitney LLP (Term – December 31, 2012)
• Dave St. John-Larkin, Merchant & Gould P.C. (Term – December 31, 2013)
• Elena Vasconez, Director of the Women’s Business Center, Mi Casa Resource Center,

How can I contribute?

You can contribute to ProBoPat by:

A. Pledging to make a 3 year sustaining donation at any of the following levels:

Trailblazers

Innovators

Creators

B. Making a one-time donation.

To make a donation, please fill out the attached the donor pledge form and return to any steering committee member.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes, your donation is tax deductible to the full extent permitted by law. The Mi Casa Resource Center, as a Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, will provide you a receipt for the donation for your tax records. Should you have any questions regarding the deductibility of contributions to the Mi Casa Resource Center and/or the ProBoPat program, please consult with your tax advisor.

What will the money be used for?

Donations will be used to fund a part-time administrator position to handle all program communications with participants and volunteer lawyers, as well as associated overhead, promotional, and programming costs.

Who may volunteer in the ProBoPat program?

We encourage all patent attorneys and agents who are registered, in good standing, to practice before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office and who reside within the State of Colorado to volunteer to represent low-income inventors through ProBoPat. The ProBoPat program also welcomes participation from interested law students from surrounding law schools. Please contact one of the steering committee members if you have an interest in participating.

How can I get more information?

Please read the FAQ document (linked at the top of the page), or contact ProBoPat at 303-573-1302 or ProBoPat@MiCasaResourceCenter.org.

Click Here to get to the ProBoPat Donor Pledge Form

ProBoPat Donor Pledge Form

Donor Information:

Fax

Yes, I/we want to be a supporter of Colorado’s ProBoPat Program helping inventors!

Sustaining Donors: I (we) pledge to make an annual donation of $___________ per year for a period of three years, with the first payment or payment arrangements due on or before April 25, 2012

Annual Donors: I (we) pledge to make an one-time donation of $___________, with the first payment or payment arrangements due on or before April 25, 2012.

I (we) plan to make this contribution by (check that which applies):
_____ Cash _____Check _____Credit Card ____Other: ________________________________________
If Credit Card Payment:
_____Visa _____MasterCard ____Discover _____ Other : ______________________________________
Credit Card Number: ______________________________________ Exp. Date: ____________________
Donor Signature: ________________________________Date: ______________________

Please make all checks payable to:
ProBoPat/ Mi Casa
360 Acoma St.
Denver, CO 80223

All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. For over 34 years, the Mi Casa Resource Center has been committed to its mission of advancing economic success and helping Latino families achieve lasting economic stability. The Mi Casa Resource Center’s overarching goal is to increase the employability, education, knowledge and life skills of the individuals we serve by providing highly relevant and effective programs in Career, Business, and Youth and Family Development as well as supportive services to address each individual’s unique challenges.