Free Patent Attorney Timesheet Template
Patent attorneys bill across a range of activities including patent drafting, prosecution, freedom-to-operate analysis, and portfolio management, each carrying different complexity and time requirements. A timesheet that maps hours to specific matter references and jurisdictions allows clients to track the cost of their IP portfolio by patent family. Professional liability requirements in most jurisdictions also make contemporaneous time records essential.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I record time for a patent application that spans multiple jurisdictions?
Create a separate timesheet entry for each jurisdiction where distinct work is performed, for example EP drafting, PCT filing, and US national phase entry. Each jurisdiction may have a different matter code, and separating them makes it easy to invoice by patent family and jurisdiction.
Should I bill separately for time spent on office action responses versus original drafting?
Yes. Prosecution work is distinct from drafting and often requires different levels of analysis. Separate entries for original application drafting, examiner interviews, and office action responses give the client a clear picture of where prosecution costs are concentrated.
Can I charge for time spent monitoring competitor patent filings for a client?
Yes. Patent landscape monitoring and freedom-to-operate surveillance are billable professional services. Record the technology area being monitored and the databases reviewed so the client can see what the surveillance work covered.