Short answer: A limited-scope engagement is an agreement where you hire a patent practitioner for one specific task, such as reviewing an application you drafted or filing an Information Disclosure Statement, instead of full representation. You get professional help where you need it and handle the rest yourself.
Common limited-scope tasks
- Reviewing a self-drafted provisional or non-provisional application before you file
- Filing an application you prepared
- Preparing an Information Disclosure Statement (IDS)
- Responding to a formal notice, such as a Notice to File Missing Parts
- Petitioning to revive an abandoned application
- Recording an assignment with the USPTO
Is it allowed?
Yes. The USPTO's rules of professional conduct let a practitioner limit the scope of representation when the limit is reasonable under the circumstances and the client gives informed consent. A good practitioner will tell you if a task can't safely be done on its own.
What you're responsible for
Outside the agreed task, you remain responsible for your application, including future deadlines and filings. That's why a clear written scope matters: it should spell out exactly what the practitioner will and won't do.
When limited scope is a good fit
- Good fit: You're comfortable managing your own application and need help with one piece of it.
- Not a good fit: Your invention is complex, the claims need significant work, or you don't want to track USPTO deadlines yourself. Full representation is usually safer.
Legacy Patents offers limited-scope services at flat fees, each with a written scope agreement. See our Limited-Scope Filings page.