Key Takeaways:

  • The cost of obtaining a patent varies based on the type of patent, complexity of the invention, attorney involvement, and additional post-filing expenses.
  • Filing a provisional patent application is the most affordable way to secure "patent pending" status, typically costing $130 to $300, with attorney fees increasing the cost.
  • Utility patents are more costly, ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, while design patents cost between $2,000 and $4,000.
  • Additional expenses include patent searches ($1,000 to $3,000), office action responses ($1,000 to $5,000 per response), maintenance fees ($400 to $7,700 over 20 years), and professional drawings.
  • International patent applications, often filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), can range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the countries involved.
  • Errors in self-filing can lead to costly delays, making a patent attorney a valuable investment despite their hourly rates of $200 to $500.
  • Working with a patent attorney from the beginning can prevent costly mistakes and improve the likelihood of patent approval.
  • UpCounsel connects inventors with experienced patent attorneys for guidance on the patent application process and cost estimation.

What Are Patent Pending Costs?

The cost to get patent pending status for your invention is around $1,500 without an attorney. If you hire an attorney, you can expect to pay $10,000 or more for a utility patent and $2,000 for a design patent. It's hard to determine the exact costs before you apply because all patent applications are different.

Obtaining a patent is expensive and time-consuming. Patent pending costs vary widely. This makes it difficult to predict what you'll have to pay. A lot depends on the complexity of your invention and the type of patent application you want to file. A patent attorney can review your situation and give you a better idea of how much you can expect to pay.

As soon as your patent application is submitted to the USPTO, you can write, "Patent Pending," on your product. This status typically lasts for one to three years. Once a patent is issued for your invention, you can replace the patent pending phrasing with your patent number.

When predicting your patent pending costs, keep in mind that it takes longer to prepare patent applications for complex inventions. You need to spend more money on drawings, compiling background information, and preparing files. It is also more likely to need modifications once the patent application is reviewed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This leads to more billed hours for attorneys, draftsmen, editors, and anyone else you hire to help with your patent application.

Here are some common costs incurred when filing a patent application:

  • Patent search: You should pay an attorney to search through patent databases to ensure your invention is unique and does not infringe on the patents of others. This includes searching both U.S. and foreign patents. The cost of performing a patent search is between $2,000 an $3,000 depending on the complexity of your invention.
  • Drawing fees: You must include drawings in your patent application. You should hire a draftsman so the drawings look professional and clearly show what you're trying to patent.
  • USPTO office actions: If your patent application is rejected, the USPTO sends you action items that must be completed before your application is reconsidered. It costs extra money to get all the necessary information together. You might even have to go through several rounds of rejections. A patent attorney can improve your chance of success.
  • Maintenance fees: Utility patents are issued for 20 years, but you must pay maintenance fees over the course of this lifespan. The fees occur at 3.5 years, 7.5 years, and 11.5 years. The amounts vary depending on the type of patent you have on file. The maintenance fees get larger over time, so you can expect to pay more money at the 11.5 year mark than at the 3.5 year mark.
  • Attorney fees: These vary widely from firm to firm. When choosing an attorney, be sure to compare hourly rates. Just remember that you typically get what you pay for.
  • Application fees: You can find a complete list of current patent application fees on the USPTO.gov website. A provisional patent application is the least expensive at $130.
  • Post-filing fees: If you forget to include something in your patent application, you must pay a fee to amend the application. This is one area where an attorney can save you money because they can ensure you have everything you need on first try.
  • Publication fee: It costs about $300 to publish your patent to the USPTO website. This is above and beyond the maintenance fees and patent issuance fee.

Understanding Cost Variations Based on Invention Complexity

The complexity of your invention significantly influences how much a patent costs. Simple inventions often involve lower fees, while complex technologies like software, pharmaceuticals, or mechanical devices require detailed claims and expert drafting, driving costs higher. Complex inventions may also face more patent office actions, increasing overall expenses.

Key factors affecting patent costs include:

  • Number of Claims: More claims increase filing fees and examination complexity.
  • Drawings and Specifications: Highly detailed drawings and precise descriptions require expert draftspeople, raising drafting costs.
  • Revisions: Complex inventions often need more amendments during the examination process.
  • Expert Consultations: Inventions in specialized fields, such as biotech or software, may require consultations with industry experts.

These variables can push total patent costs above $20,000 in some cases, particularly for cutting-edge innovations.

Filing a Patent Application

One of the biggest factors that determines the cost of your patent application is the type that you decide to file. Utility patents are the most expensive. They can easily cost more than $10,000. Design patents cost about $2,000. However, this is just a starting base. You'll have to keep paying maintenance fees for the lifespan of the patent. An attorney can help you better understand what to expect in your situation.

Provisional Patent Application Costs

The cheapest way to get "Patent Pending" status is to file a provisional patent application. All that is required is a detailed description of the invention, an informal drawing, and a synopsis of how you came up with the idea. For small entities, the application fee is $130 and for large companies it is $260. If you use a patent attorney, you can expect the costs to be a bit higher, but it's still a lot less money than filing a utility patent or design patent.

Even though it does not cost much money to file a provisional patent application, it is not a replacement for one of the nonprovisional patents. A provisional patent application does not get reviewed and it is only a temporary way to get "Patent Pending" status. No actual patent is issued. The provisional patent application is simply a document to prove you were the first to come up with an idea.

A provisional patent application is only good for 12 months. By that time, you must submit either a utility patent or a design patent to maintain the "Patent Pending" status on your invention. You can save money in the long run by skipping the provisional patent application, but it is a good way to get an early filing date with the USPTO.

Nonprovisional Patent Application Costs

It costs a lot more money to file a nonprovisional patent application than a provisional one because it requires more detail and a patent is issued at the end. There are two types of nonprovisional patents — utility patents and design patents. Utility patents are the most common because they protect the way an invention works and is manufactured. Design patents simply protect the way an invention looks.

Utility patents can easily cost more than $10,000. You should plan on paying up to double that amount from start to finish through the application and issuance process. Design patents don't cost as much money. You can expect to pay $2,000 to $4,000.

International Patent Costs and Considerations

If your business plans to operate globally, protecting your invention internationally is essential. How much a patent costs internationally varies greatly, often exceeding $10,000 depending on the countries involved and the complexity of the application.

Common international patent costs:

  • Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Application: $3,000–$5,000, covering multiple countries.
  • Translation Fees: Required for non-English jurisdictions, often $500–$2,000 per country.
  • National Phase Entry Fees: Vary by country, from $1,000 to $5,000 per nation.
  • Attorney Fees: Local attorneys in each country may charge $200 to $500 per hour.

International patents also involve ongoing maintenance fees in each country. For businesses targeting multiple markets, consulting an experienced patent attorney is vital to budget effectively and avoid costly procedural mistakes.

Why You Should Hire a Patent Attorney

Most people end up hiring a patent attorney to help with the patent application process because it is tedious and confusing. The choice is up to you, but an attorney makes everything run more smoothly and quickly. An attorney also ensures you don't make any mistakes and include information you might not think to include on your own.

If you hire an attorney at the beginning of the patent application process, they can help you build lawsuits and file them as soon as your patent gets issued. You obtain patent pending status regardless of whether you file a provisional, utility, or design patent. However, it's important to note that patent pending status does not grant you any legally enforceable rights. You cannot sue someone for patent infringement until your patent issues.

Patent attorneys often have specialized experience in technical subjects. It's common for them to have PhD degrees in things like computers, biotechnology, and engineering. That's why they command billing rates of $200 to $400 dollars per hour. Sometimes you can find attorneys that charge a flat fee, but that's not the standard.

Hiring a Professional Patent Searcher

A professional patent searcher can find prior art patent and pending applications that are hard for you to find on your own. The USPTO offers a free patent search, but a professional patent searcher is still advisable because they can find patents where you wouldn't think to look. The cost for this service varies between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on the complexity of your invention. In some instances, a professional patent searcher may find that there is no reasonable opportunity for your patent claim and suggest you abandon the project instead of spending additional money.

Cost-Saving Benefits of Hiring a Patent Attorney

While hiring a patent attorney involves upfront costs, it often saves money in the long run by preventing costly mistakes. Filing a flawed application can lead to rejections or weak patents, requiring expensive corrections or additional filings.

Key cost-saving benefits of a patent attorney:

  • Avoiding Rejections: Attorneys ensure your application meets all legal requirements, reducing the risk of costly office actions.
  • Drafting Strong Claims: Precise claim drafting prevents future infringement issues or challenges.
  • Efficient Responses: Attorneys handle office actions swiftly, minimizing delays and additional fees.
  • Long-Term Protection: Proper patent drafting prevents invalidation during litigation, safeguarding your investment.

Engaging a patent attorney from the outset can reduce the risk of procedural errors, providing long-term financial security for your intellectual property.

Getting a Patent Without an Attorney

You don't have to hire a patent attorney before submitting a patent application. Getting a patent on your own can save you thousands of dollars on attorney fees. Just be prepared to spend a lot of time learning the process if you don't hire an attorney. Patent applications require a lot of detail and you'll spend countless hours trying to figure everything out. The USPTO has patent examiners to help you with any questions about your patent application, but an attorney can get back to you faster.

If you don't hire an attorney, there are two things you need to do before submitting your patent application:

  • Make sure that it qualifies. You can do this by searching through existing patents for similarities to your own. You need to ensure that your patent does not already exist.
  • Thoroughly describe all aspects of your invention. Don't leave anything out. Drawings and pictures are typically included with patent applications.

Common Pitfalls of DIY Patent Applications

Filing a patent without an attorney may reduce initial costs but carries substantial risks. Many inventors encounter issues that ultimately increase expenses.

Common pitfalls include:

  • Incomplete Applications: Missing essential details can lead to rejections and re-filing fees.
  • Insufficient Patent Searches: Overlooking existing patents can invalidate your application.
  • Weak Claims: Poorly drafted claims may leave your invention vulnerable to competitors.
  • Missed Deadlines: Failing to meet USPTO deadlines results in costly extensions or application abandonment.

While self-filing a provisional patent may be feasible for simple inventions, utility and design patents often require legal expertise. Consider the long-term cost implications before pursuing a DIY approach.

Steps to Filing a Patent Application

The USPTO has specific rules you must follow in your patent application. Make sure that you read them carefully and include all the required information in your patent application.

1. Describe your invention in detail.

The most important part of your patent application is the description of your invention. Keep a careful record of all aspects of your invention and modifications so you can include this information in the application.

  • If you are applying for a utility patent, the description should include everything from manufacturing processes to individual components.
  • If you are applying for a design patent, you should include pictures of your product and describe design elements that you wish to patent.

Depending on your invention, it's helpful to build a prototype of your invention and record this process. You need to sign and date each entry and provide two witnesses.

2. Check that your invention qualifies for patent protection.

Not all ideas or products qualify for a patent. You must prove how your invention is different from all previous inventions. You must also show how it works and how it is a new idea. Make sure that your invention meets all the requirements of 35 U.S. Code 112.

Post-Filing Costs and Maintenance Fees

Obtaining a patent is not the end of your financial commitment. Post-filing expenses often arise and should be factored into your overall budget.

Typical post-filing costs include:

  • Office Actions: Responses to USPTO rejections or inquiries cost $1,000 to $5,000 per action, depending on complexity.
  • Patent Issuance Fee: Ranges from $300 to $1,200 based on entity size.
  • Maintenance Fees: Required to keep a utility patent active over its 20-year term:
    • 3.5 years: $400–$2,000
    • 7.5 years: $900–$3,760
    • 11.5 years: $1,850–$7,700
  • Corrections and Amendments: Costs vary based on complexity but often exceed $500.

Budgeting for these expenses ensures you maintain your patent rights and avoid costly lapses in protection.

3. Thoroughly search the U.S. patent database

To ensure that your invention is truly unique, you need to search through the U.S. patent database for similar inventions. Sometimes you must also search foreign patents. If your search comes up blank, then you can proceed with your patent application. This is a time-consuming process and an area where a patent attorney can really help.

If you find patents that are similar to your invention, you can still file a new patent as long as your invention has significant differences or you have improved upon earlier developments.

4. Decide if the patent costs are worth the investment.

Most people only apply for a patent if they plan to use it in a business. That's because the costs can be upwards of $1,500, even without the help of an attorney. Make sure that the cost of a patent is worth the investment before you apply.

5. Prepare all application documents and submit to the USPTO.

There are three types of patent applications you can file with the USPTO — utility, design, and provisional. Each has its own requirements and is suited to different situations. When you have prepared all the necessary documents, you can submit the application to the USPTO.

Before you decide to file for a patent, make sure that you understand the costs. If you do not plan to sell a product or do anything with the patent, you should reconsider applying. Sometimes inventors only file a provisional patent application and then negotiate that an investor pays for the patent if they want to be a part of the business. You need to know what you want and how you're going to pay for it before you begin. An attorney can help you set your priorities and create a plan for your patent pending costs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How much does a patent cost for a simple invention?A simple utility patent can cost $5,000 to $10,000, while a provisional patent costs $130 to $300.

2. What is the average cost to maintain a patent over 20 years?Maintenance fees for utility patents range from $400 to $7,700, depending on the patent’s age and entity size.

3. Is an international patent more expensive than a U.S. patent?Yes, international patents often exceed $10,000 due to translation fees, national filings, and legal costs.

4. Can I reduce patent costs by filing it myself?Filing on your own can reduce initial costs but risks errors, which may lead to rejections and higher long-term expenses.

5. How much does a patent attorney charge?Patent attorneys typically charge $200 to $500 per hour, or offer flat fees starting at $5,000 for utility patents.

If you need help with patents, you can post your question or concern on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.