SmartProBonoIP
PARTNER PLAYBOOKRHODE ISLAND PILOT

One-page guide

Rhode Island Pilot Partner Playbook

One page for partner staff — preparation only, not legal advice.

How innovation hubs, clinics, and libraries introduce SmartProBonoIP

What SmartProBonoIP is

SmartProBonoIP helps inventors organize invention information into an IP Readiness Packet before meeting a patent professional, IP clinic, PTRC, mentor, or innovation partner. It does not provide legal advice, patentability opinions, or filing services.

Who it helps

  • Inventors with rough sketches or notes but no organized summary
  • Founders preparing for office hours, pitch events, or clinic intake
  • Creators and small businesses unsure how to explain their idea to an expert

What inventors get (about 14 minutes)

  • Five-step wizard with save & continue later — no account required
  • Plain-language idea summary and readiness snapshot
  • Development timeline, materials checklist, and expert questions
  • Similar reference search prep with Google Patents-first guidance
  • PDF download and optional Export for Attorney (JSON/CSV)

How to introduce it (30-second script)

"Before your clinic or mentor meeting, try SmartProBonoIP. It helps you organize your idea in plain language — what you built, who it's for, timeline notes, and questions to bring. It's free, takes about fourteen minutes, and it's preparation only — not legal advice. Start at smartprobono.org or ask us for a referral link."

Recommended partner flow

  1. Share your tracked referral link or QR code (captures partner attribution).
  2. Point inventors to View sample packet first if they want to see HydroSeal demo output.
  3. Encourage Start with this example if they want a pre-filled walkthrough.
  4. Ask them to download the PDF and bring it to their next conversation with you.
  5. Optional: have them save 1–3 similar references in Search Prep before the meeting.

What partners should NOT say

  • Do not say SmartProBonoIP tells users whether an idea is patentable.
  • Do not promise free legal representation or pro bono attorney matching.
  • Do not treat CPC suggestions or search queries as classification or clearance opinions.
  • Do not share a user's recovery link — it is private to the inventor.

What we measure in the pilot

  • Packet completions and clarity lift (before/after)
  • PDF downloads and recovery link usage
  • Common readiness signals and support needs
  • Partner-attributed referrals via tracking slug

Support & contact

Questions about the pilot, referral links, partner metrics, or technical issues: use the contact form at smartprobono.org/contact or email bferrell@smartprobono.org. Inventors can use private recovery links to return to packets from another browser.

Important: this is not legal advice

SmartProBonoIP is an educational readiness and organization tool. It does not provide legal advice and is not a substitute for a licensed patent agent, patent attorney, or other qualified professional.

Nothing here is a legal opinion or conclusion about whether your idea can be protected. Using SmartProBonoIP does not create an attorney-client relationship.

The signals and suggestions below are starting points to help you prepare for a conversation with an expert. Always confirm next steps with a qualified professional, especially before any public disclosure or filing decision.