HARRISBURG (Nov. 9, 2001) - The Intellectual Property Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association has created a helpful, educational guide for the public called �Inventor Beware!�

The pamphlet, written by registered patent lawyers, offers critical information to any inventors who may be contemplating using invention promotion firms to patent or promote their inventions to industry.

According to the guide, inventors who have dealt with some invention promotion companies have paid thousands of dollars for services of little value. Some of these companies charge for patent searches without providing a necessary patentability opinion, while some might file a patent application covering ornamental aspects only, when the invention is functional and needs utility patent claims.

The pamphlet advises that a prudent inventor deciding to deal with an invention promoter who charges an up-front fee should first consult a federally registered patent lawyer on how a new law enacted by Congress could protect the inventor.

Single copies of the pamphlet can be obtained without charge by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Pennsylvania Bar Association Member Service Center, PO Box 186, Harrisburg, PA 17108-0186.