Patent Filing Cost Calculator
Patent Cost Estimator
Estimate total patent costs including filing, prosecution, and maintenance fees
Formula
Total Cost = USPTO Filing Fee + Search Fee + Examination Fee + Issue Fee + Attorney Fees + Maintenance Fees (utility patents only). Entity size discounts: small = 50%, micro = 75% off base fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a patent cost?
Total costs range from $5,000-$25,000+ for a utility patent. USPTO fees alone are $2,000-$4,500 depending on entity size. Attorney fees add $8,000-$18,000+ depending on complexity. Simple inventions cost less; biotech/software patents cost more. Provisional patents are cheaper at $2,000-$5,000 total.
What is the difference between a provisional and utility patent?
A provisional patent application (PPA) is a placeholder that establishes a filing date for 12 months at lower cost ($80-$320 USPTO fee). It's not examined and expires after 12 months unless you file a full utility patent application. A utility patent provides 20 years of protection but costs more and takes 2-3 years to process.
What are patent maintenance fees?
Utility patents require maintenance fees at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years after issuance to keep the patent active for its full 20-year term. Total maintenance fees range from $3,365 (micro entity) to $13,460 (large entity). Design and plant patents have no maintenance fees.
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