Frequently Asked Questions

What is a provisional patent application and how much does it cost?

A provisional patent application can be thought of as a preliminary patent. It is not considered a true patent, but it does protect your intellectual property for 12 months in a similar way a non-provisional patent would. After successfully filing a provisional patent application, you have one year to file for a non-provisional patent. The cost of filing a provisional patent application can be as low as $65. However, typically, provisional patent applications cost between $5,000 and $9,000 plus legal fees. The cost of a patent can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the invention and the type of patent application (provisional, non-provisional, or utility). More complex inventions will cost more to patent than simpler designs. The cost of filing a patent application is usually divided into three parts: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) filing fees, lawyer fees, and drawing fees. It's important to note that before you can consider patent costs, you must have a unique product idea that doesn't copy prior art, which is any idea or product that already exists. After you have an original idea, you are ready to file a patent application. Patent lawyers can provide more exact estimates after reviewing your invention.