How Much Does It Cost To Get A Patent On An Invention Or Idea?

There are several factors to determine how much It costs to get a patent on an invention or idea. This is a crucial question and common concern for inventions getting started off in the USPTO patent process. After all, there’s a lot of fees involved in drafting, filing, prosecuting, revising, and maintaining a patent application. This is true whether you are looking to get a provisional, utility, or design patent online. Before you even speak with a lawyer, it will be helpful to have a better understanding of approximate expenses. This way, you can move forward with confidence, peace of mind, and financial backing. To help you protect your novel creations today, read on to learn how much does it cost to get a patent on an invention or idea.

Attorney Costs

In order to determine how much it costs to get a patent, you’ll need to estimate attorney fees. While it is technically possible to file by yourself, it is highly-recommended to work with an experienced patent attorney or agent. These expert professionals have undergone years of technical training, and likely hold an industry-specific degree. Plus, many patent lawyers specialize in specialized fields, such as image processing, computer hardware, or medical devices. That being said, they are especially beneficial to have in your corner throughout the USPTO process. However, attorneys can certainly add on to your overall drafting and filing expenses. In most cases, experienced patent lawyers charge about $200 to $400 an hour whenever necessary. Surely, attorney fees will directly effect how much it costs to get a patent on an invention or idea.

Type Of Application

Next, think about what type of application you are looking to file. After all, this will help you determine how much it costs to patent an invention or idea. Provisional applications are usually the most affordable to obtain. These provide you with a one-year “Patent Pending” pendency. To secure a PPA, you can expect to pay around $179, plus an extra $75 in fees. Design patents, which protect the visual qualities of your invention, cost slightly more. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay about $1,100 overall for this type of protection. Of course, the most expensive IP application is usually a non-provisional utility patent. Since this provides you intellectual property rights for up to twenty years, you can expect to pay around $2,800 for this level of defense. Indeed, you need to think about application type to estimate costs to patent an invention or idea.

USPTO Filing Fees

In addition, you’ll want to fully understand the actual cost of USPTO filing fees. Similarly, fees imposed by United States Patent and Trademark Office vary based on the type of application you are looking to secure. On provisional applications, for example, fees can be as low as $75. Since costs are slightly higher for design patents, USPTO fees are as well. They often cost around $255 for this type of protection. If you are filing a non-provisional utility application, you should expect to pay around $455 in total USPTO fees. Certainly, it is important to calculate USPTO filing fees to estimate how much it costs to patent an invention or idea.

Invention’s Complexity

Also, your invention’s complexity will play a major role in how much it costs to get a patent on an invention or idea. Patent filing expenses are directly related to idea simplicity. Extremely simple inventions, such as basic switches or devices, are always the most affordable to file. After all, they require limited resources to research, prepare, and prosecute. More complex inventions, such as telecommunication systems, scanners, or network devices, typically cost much more. This is usually because these inventions are subject to more complex drawings and submissions. Absolutely, the complexity of your invention or idea can play a role in how much it costs to file a patent.

Post-Issuance Expenses

Furthermore, it is also important to know about post-issuance expenses when calculating how much it costs to file a patent. You’ll need to pay regular maintenance fees to keep your patent enforceable for the full twenty year period. Maintenance fees are required throughout the lifespan of your patent. Similarly, they will vary based on your classification as a microentity, small business, or large corporation. Definitely, post-issuance expenses can change how much it costs to file a patent on an invention or idea.

There’s a few key steps to help you determine the cost to get a patent on a novel invention or idea. First and foremost, you’ll want to clearly understand the cost for patent search reports. Next, calculate how much you will need to pay your attorney. Then, add in the costs of different types of applications, including provisional, design, and utility protection. Additionally, there are specialized costs for USPTO filing fees. You’ll also want to get a better understanding of how much your invention’s complexity and post-issuance fees will impact your final cost. Follow the points highlighted above to learn how much does it cost to get a patent on an invention or idea.