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Find similar grantsCalifornia Inventors Assistance Program (CIAP) is sponsored by United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and California Lawyers for the Arts (CLA). This program assists financially under-resourced independent inventors and small businesses with pro bono patent legal services in California and other western states.
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Skip to contentSkip to footer * Internships and Volunteer Opportunities * Dispute Resolution Services * Arts Arbitration and Mediation Services (AAMS) * Sacramento Mediation Center * Civil Harassment Court Mediation Program * Lawyer Referral & Information Services (LRIS) * [California Inventors Assistance Program [CIAP]](https://calawyersforthearts.
org/california-inventors-assistance-program-ciap-cla/) * Interested Attorneys (LRIS) * Artistic License Awards * Career Development Programs * Designing Creative Futures [](https://calawyersforthearts. org/california-inventors-assistance-program-ciap-cla/) [](https://calawyersforthearts.
org/california-inventors-assistance-program-ciap-cla/#) * Internships and Volunteer Opportunities * Dispute Resolution Services * Arts Arbitration and Mediation Services (AAMS) * Sacramento Mediation Center * Civil Harassment Court Mediation Program * Lawyer Referral & Information Services (LRIS) * [California Inventors Assistance Program [CIAP]](https://calawyersforthearts.
org/california-inventors-assistance-program-ciap-cla/) * Interested Attorneys (LRIS) * Artistic License Awards * Career Development Programs * Designing Creative Futures linkedininstagramfacebook-1 Serving the creative arts and innovation community since 1974!
# 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, the California Inventors Assistance 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. The CIAP also currently provides services to five western U.S. states (Hawaii, Alaska,Oregon, California and Nevada). See thisLINKfor information from the USPTO about pro bono services for patent applicants**.
** This article published in theManaging IPprofiles the CIAP and other pro bono patent programs. _USPTO Pro Bono Program– American Bar Association article on how the USPTO’s regional pro bono programs are working for independent inventors and small businesses. _ **To begin a CIAP Referral** * Complete the Referral Request located atthis link.
This application and a financial screening application with supporting documentation is required for members of the inventor community seeking pro bono CIAP assistance. * CLICK HEREfor 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. _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. _ IP Watchdog:The Bill Carpenter Story: The Path to a Granted United States Patent— a patent granted with the assistance of the CIAP.
Check out Upcoming Events at the Silicon Valley USPTO Office California Lawyers for the Arts is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit and your donation is tax deductible as a charitable contribution to the fullest extent of the law. State Bar LRS Certificate #0021 linkedininstagramfacebook-1 [](https://calawyersforthearts. org/california-inventors-assistance-program-ciap-cla/# "Scroll to top")
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Financially under-resourced independent inventors and small businesses in California. Requires review and completion of a 'Basic Patent Training for Independent Inventors and Small Businesses' video. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
California Inventors Assistance Program (CIAP) is funded by United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and California Lawyers for the Arts (CLA). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in California. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
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