Richard Gardner Eldredge

I wish I would have done more research before choosing Richard for my patent needs. If you Google Leavitt Eldredge Law Firm, you'll find several separate Google business listings for reviews. In my opinion, Richard is one of the worst patent attorneys in the Metroplex. I initially met with Brandon... for an informal intake meeting, and he gave me a brief overview of the patent process. The few interactions I had with Brandon were professional, and I feel bad that his name is tied to Richard's. Brandon told me Richard would be reaching out to finalize the details. After collecting payment and filing applications, communication became extremely difficult. Sometimes Richard would respond, and other times he wouldn't. Since I was new to the patent process, I assumed this was normal. I repeatedly asked about expediting my patent application. Richard told me it had been expedited, and I even paid additional fees for expedited examination, but nothing ever happened. It wasn't long before competitors began copying my designs. Richard told me a patent infringement analysis was required to determine whether infringement was occurring. In my view, the copied product was virtually identical. I paid for the infringement analysis, and Richard then advised that a continuation application should be filed. I paid for the continuation on June 13, 2024, but it was not filed until December 17, 2024. During that time, I was repeatedly told someone would "circle back" with me, yet updates rarely came. Phone calls and emails often went unanswered, and it became extremely difficult to get information about my case. After I made it clear that I was seeking a different attorney, the continuation was finally filed. When my new attorney obtained power of attorney and reviewed the continuation, I was advised there was little that could be done with it, and we ultimately allowed it to go abandoned. Despite this, I was told no refund would be issued for the continuation because, according to Richard, "work was done." The firm also attempted to have me sign an NDA in exchange for receiving money back for services related to the continuation that I believed had not been properly performed. My biggest regret is losing the opportunity to obtain European patent protection. I first requested a European filing toward the end of 2022 while the application was still within the applicable deadline. I paid for the European application in February 2023, yet the filing was never completed before the deadline. Later, I was told the European application was related to the continuation application, which I had not even requested until more than a year after originally asking about European protection. My patent remained pending for approximately three years despite my repeated requests to expedite prosecution. Eventually, I terminated Richard's representation and hired a different patent attorney. Within approximately six months, my patent was issued. More importantly, my new attorney actually communicated with me and kept me informed throughout the process. As I stated in the beginning, do your research.

If you value your IP DO NOT hire this attorney!!! I filed a provisional application on my own and hired him(his firm) to write and file a PCT application. There was a time limit to file the PCT application, which he was informed of. He said no problem, we can have it done by then. The deadline came... and went, but he said no problem, we can file a "petition to restore priority" with the application. I checked it out and it's a real thing. BUT, I stayed in contact weekly through the process and was given one excuse after another. Three weeks before the two month extension period was to expire I lost faith in this guy. I then hired another attorney, and it's a good thing I did! My new attorney had the PCT application filed within two weeks. Eldredge finally filed, but it was two days past the deadline. And there were multiple errors in his submission. I will never use or recommend this attorney or his firm.

I had a horrible experience with a previous attorney in the DFW area. That attorney was the owner of a small firm and worked by himself. He was also a Mechanical Engineer. The patent application that he wrote was rejected. I found Mr. Eldredge and discussed the case with him. Mr. Eldredge amende...d my application to get it allowed. Now, I have a patent! Could not be more excited. We highly recommend the firm for patent and trademark work.

I not only recommend attorney Richard Eldredge, but I guarantee once you have used his service you too will look no further. He responds in a timely matter, he is a very knowledge, and a trustworthy person. There is no other attorney that will work as hard for you. I used his firm a few years ago, he... is a wonderful attorney I could not have been happier! I highly recommend.

Firstly, this was all my fault. I saw the red flags but was blinded by taking action to turn an idea in my head into a reality. Jumped right in and paid $5000 in full to start the process. Brandon even encouraged me to start manufacturing my product which included having a custom mold made for $12...,000. Unfortunately the Examiners rejected three applications due to vagueness and my design mirrored an already patented product (which was not found during THEIR initial patent search) based on the vague language the attorney kept using over and over. At the end of the day, I lost $5500 but gained real world experience on the patent process. It was an expensive lesson to learn but would have preferred giving my money and time to a firm that actually SERVED their client rather than USING them to seemingly extort billable hours.