Frequently Asked Questions

What are the factors that determine the cost of a patent?

The cost of a patent is determined by several factors. Firstly, the type of patent application plays a significant role in the cost. There are three main types of patent applications: provisional, non-provisional (also known as utility), and design. A provisional patent application, which is considered a preliminary patent, can cost as low as $65, but typically costs between $5,000 and $9,000 plus legal fees. A non-provisional patent application, which is a full patent, is more expensive and costs about $900, with total costs usually ranging between $8,000 and $15,000 or more, including legal fees. The cost of a design patent, which protects a product's unique appearance, usually ranges between $2,500 and $3,000, including a $140 examination fee. Secondly, the complexity of the invention also influences the cost. For instance, an extremely simple invention like a paper clip may cost between $5,000 and $7,000 to patent, while a highly complex invention like an MRI scanner could cost between $14,000 and $16,000. Software-related inventions can cost more than $16,000.