Selecting a patent attorney. Is local important?

[justsomebody]

Well, I am currently looking for patent agent/attorney to help
prosecute my application for a utility patent.
It is for a simple mechanical device.

I am wondering if it is important to use a local agent/attorney
that you can meet face to face with as opposed to some one out of
state. Reason I ask is I am interested ina particular patent attorney
who is out of state but only becasue of good personal references.

My main concern is how important it is or even if it IS important to
use a local agent/attorney.

This is my first time using the services of an agent/attorney so its
all new to me.

Thanks for your opinions, Basement Inventor.

[Emma Anne]

justsomebody <madin...@hushmail.com> wrote:

> Well, I am currently looking for patent agent/attorney to help
> prosecute my application for a utility patent.
> It is for a simple mechanical device.

It's really the client's call. Do you want to meet the person face to
face? I have plenty of clients I've never met, but also plenty who
choose me because I am local to them. A simple mechanical device ought
to be pretty easy to explain, so that should reduce the need for a face
to face meeting to get the attorney up to speed on the invention. On
the other hand, since you are new to patents, you are going to need some
bringing up to speed on the patenting process.

IMO, you need an attorney you trust and feel confidence in. Whatever it
takes for you to find that person is what you should do.

(not legal advice)