Patenting Basics, Q & A

As an Idaho patent law office, we often are asked these questions:

Getting a patent is expensive, right?

No. Typically, an experienced patent attorney can evaluate your search results and advise you regarding whether or not to proceed with a minimal investment. Our usual charge for a patent novelty search is $550, but more extensive searches typically cost more.

Once you decide to pursue a patent, the next step is the preparation of the patent application and drawings. Application preparation costs are based upon the complexity of the subject matter of the invention. Thus, application preparation costs can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. The average application preparation cost for a simple patent application through our office is $4,500.00. Drawing costs (typically $200.00 to $400.00) may be billed separately. The Patent Office's filing fee for a utility patent applications is currently $385, assuming you qualify for "small entity" status, and the application has a typical number of claims. Total cost, start to finish, (including all attorneys' and Patent Office fees) is usually less than $5,000 over a two-year period.

That's it. Compared to what you have invested, or will invest, to develop your technology and business, that's a small price to pay to protect your intellectual property and maintain your competitive advantage in an increasingly competitive market.