I chose Rapacke Law Group based on the Google reviews and lack of negative ratings on BBB. Google reviews described the process as smooth and the group as professional. Eric Mill's experience of guidance through the entire process and the "prior arts search" was especially appealing. On my first call with Andrew, I found him to be enthusiastic with a strong sense of direction as he outlined a satisfactory plan of action for the provisional patent. During this consultation I was told that based on my patent, the firm would be referring me to software specialists, in the event I could not find one. I was also told that my idea would be run through a database to see if it already existed, and if so, a plan would be proposed to determine the uniqueness of my idea in comparison to any existing patents.
As a first time patent developer, I do not have a clear understanding of the steps to organize a patent, but not only has the law group NOT smoothly, or otherwise guided me through this process, they have not carried out any of the actions indicated in the initial consultation. I have not been referred to any specialist, nor has a prior arts search been provided. If this has not been done, because it requires a separate fee, that has not been communicated to me.
My attempts to clarify the process or get any type of assurance elicits the response, "you will be receiving the draft at the end of today or tomorrow." This premature response to a process that has not even followed their projected course of action is confusing. What is even more confusing is why this law group insists on putting themselves on a deadline they have not been able to meet. Days, weeks, and months go by with no draft or communication or update from the group. Lack of communication and unnecessary unmet deadlines have been the biggest source of contention.
If you are hoping to pursue a patent, do as much research as you can prior to engaging with this firm. My unfortunate experience has proven, they will not walk every client through the process. When you engage, have your documents in order to ensure your patent application adequately represents your idea. I've gathered that correspondence translates to money, so do not expect any pro bono communication to quell your anxiety throughout the process.
My respectful attempts to receive the experience described in these reviews have obviously labeled me a nuisance, therefore I am shuffled between partners and staff, left not knowing who is handling my case, my calls are avoided, my e-mails go unanswered, and I have yet to receive a draft projected for March 19. My experience would have been much better if the group did not repeatedly give projected dates to receive the filing documents, especially early in the process when that was not what I was requesting. As for professional, Andrew's response to a failed callback of, "Oh shit, I didn't realize no one had ever called you back," his excuse of, "We're really busy during the holidays" and the fact that he's always unavailable whenever I call are examples of that capacity towards me as a client. I requested the company's refund policy (not to be confused with requesting a refund) for documentation purposes three times with no response and on the last request received a rushed application which in no way reflected my patent, just so they could justify denial of refund... which I wasn't requesting in the first place...
As a registered nurse, hospital supervisor, and a graduate student during this pandemic, I have definitely been overwhelmed, and the stress of the uncertainty in dealing with this business and the investment of $3,500 with nothing substantial to move forward with my patent is disheartening. read more
