An inventor can file and prosecute a patent application for their own invention, without a requirement to engage a patent attorney.
However, preparing and prosecuting a useful patent application requires an understanding of: the legal principles; the patent office rules and regulations; and the technical subject matter relating to the patent.
Engaging a Patent Attorney allows an inventor to combine their technical expertise with the patent attorney’s legal expertise and experience. Engaging a patent attorney when preparing and filing a patent application can avoid many pitfalls, and should also be considered as a commercial decision based on the expected value of the intellectual property protection being sought.