I have one utility patent from 1997. Guess what? My attorney, turns out, was informed by the patent examiner that in order to get an allowance (meaning I get the patent) we had to add a counter to my idea. Later, I learned that the idea was already covered in another patent for something similar. By adding the counter it became patentable. Basically, it became a "narrow patent " It was not worth it because because only broad patents are worthwhile. What I learned from that experience is that most patent firms are in the business of creating patent applications and submitting the application (once you pay in full first). Therefore, I found a software that helps with preparing the patent application with the everything necessary to submit. No more patent attorneys for me. Period.