Paid Lawyer $8900 And He Claims Services Were Rendered (they Haven’t Been-i Don’t Think?)

Location: Florida

I’ll try to make this as concise as possible, but will be happy to answer any questions more thoroughly. I also am admittedly not fully aware of processes and services of lawyers to much of a degree, so forgive me ignorance if I state any foolishness.

5 years ago I had an idea for an product. This product was on the edge of legality. I would need to write letters to certain governmental groups expressly confirming the legality of said item, but I wanted to have it patented first.

I went through the initial steps of finding a patent lawyer and discussing it with him. I decided to hire him and sent him an $8900 flat fee-which to my knowledge included a patented search, help with the provisional patent application, and submission of patent application. I explained the product to aides at the law firm and a patent search was performed and the results sent to me.

Shortly after this, a competing product came to market. This product was “better” than mine, admittedly. Though I was ‘certain’ it was illegal. I could only compete with it if it was deemed illegal by governmental agencies. As expected, the government sued this company. I asked the patent lawyer’s office to hold off on any work while the case/s were unfolding. Months turned into years. To my astonishment, the company won and their product is totally legal. So I’m dead in the water.

So after about 3 years with no communication with the lawyer’s office I call them. The contact I used to speak with was no longer there. I told them the situation, the history, and how I had asked for work to be put on hold. My objective was to ask for a partial refund. From my perspective, the only thing my $8900 bought me was a patent search. I received an email back from them stating “After reviewing your request, I must clarify that since the agreed-upon services were fully provided and delivered as outlined, a refund cannot be issued.” I called back and asked them to send me all materials related to my case. They did not send it. I have repeatedly emailed and called them asking for clarification/ understanding on how all services were provided if they did not even submit a patent application. They do not respond.

I just don’t know where to go from here (or if I should?). Can I get any of my money back? Any insight or help would be appreciated.

Thank you.