Patents: A Quick Overview of Costs

The cost of obtaining a patent in the United States can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of patent, the complexity of the invention, attorney fees, and whether you are a small entity (e.g., an individual or a small business) or a large entity. 

Here are some general cost estimates, as of June 26, 2024:

USPTO Filing Fees: 

Utility Patent: 

• Basic filing fee: $320 for large entities, $160 for small entities, and $80 for micro entities.
• Search fee: $700 for large entities, $350 for small entities, and $175 for micro entities.
• Examination fee: $800 for large entities, $400 for small entities, and $200 for micro entities.

Design Patent:

• Basic filing fee: $240 for large entities, $120 for small entities, and $60 for micro entities.
• Search fee: $160 for large entities, $80 for small entities, and $40 for micro entities.
• Examination fee: $640 for large entities, $320 for small entities, and $160 for micro entities.

 Provisional Patent Application: 

• Filing fee: $300 for large entities, $150 for small entities, and $75 for micro entities.

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Attorney Fees:

• Preparing and filing a utility patent application can cost between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on the complexity of the invention.
• Preparing and filing a design patent application typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000.

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Maintenance Fees:

• To keep a utility patent in force, maintenance fees must be paid at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years after the patent is granted.
• Fees vary: $2,000 for large entities, $1,000 for small entities, and $500 for micro entities for the first maintenance fee; $3,760, $1,880, and $940 for the second; $7,700, $3,850, and $1,925 for the third.

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Understanding these steps and costs helps ensure you are prepared for the patent application process. If you’re ready to take your dream from concept to completion, contact us today to get the ball rolling.