how much an hour does a patent attorney cost

by Bria Kuhn 6 min read

What does it take to become a patent attorney?

Jun 24, 2020 · A patent lawyer can help you with the how to patent an idea process and typically costs around $380 per hour depending on location, type of law firm, and experience in years or technical training. Location: Experienced patent attorneys outside major cities are between $275 to $400 per hour, while attorneys in major cities are between $400 to $800+ per hour.

How much does LegalZoom charge for a patent?

Feb 01, 2022 · Patent lawyer cost varies based on your geographical location and the attorney's credentials. With that in mind, you can expect to pay somewhere around $100 to $500 or more per hour, with mean hourly costs being closer to $250 to $450. In major metropolitan hours, however, patent lawyer fees could be double this amount.

How to become a patent lawyer?

Survey data shows that since 2001, the national average has stayed somewhere between $250 and $275 per hour, although that seems to be a low estimate. In more rural or suburban areas, securing a high quality patent attorney could cost you anywhere from $275 to $400 an hour.

How much is that patent lawsuit going to cost you?

2. 2021 Average Cost of a Patent Lawyer (with Price Factors) Aug 26, 2020 — Attorney’s fees · Drafting and filing a nonprovisional patent application: $4,500 · Drafting and filing a provisional patent application: $2,000. (4) …. Hourly rates for quality patent attorneys typically range between $400 to $600+ per hour.

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How much is a patent attorney?

If you work with a patent attorney or advisor, they'll help you through the application process. Applications typically cost £4,000 and the process usually takes 5 years. There are 8 steps if you apply for patent protection in the UK through the Intellectual Property Office ( IPO ).

What is the average cost of a patent?

A patent attorney will usually charge between $8,000 and $10,000 for a patent application, but the cost can be higher. In most cases, you should budget between $15,000 and $20,000 to complete the patenting process for your invention.

How can I get a patent for free?

You can file a patent online using the patent office's EFS-Web service. The USPTO's website includes detailed information on what should be in your application on its "General Information Concerning Patents" page under Inventors Resources and Guidance.

Can someone steal my idea if I have a patent pending?

As soon as you file a patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), your invention is "Patent Pending." Once your application is submitted, nobody can steal, sell, or use your invention without your permission. If this happens, they are infringing on your patent, assuming it gets issued.

What rights do you have as a patent owner?

As a patent owner, you have specific rights about your invention, which include: The right to license your patent to third-parties and in turn, collect royalties. The right to sell your patent and invention in general. The right to sue those who infringe on your patent.

How much does a provisional patent cost?

The type of patent you apply for will also impact the cost. For example, a provisional patent can cost up to $3,000, whereas a utility patent can cost up to $15,000 or more. Each type of patent is best suited for varying scenarios.

How much does a patent attorney charge?

When you hire an attorney to prepare a new patent application, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $5,000 on average plus the USPTO fees. Most experienced lawyers will charge between $200 and $400 per hour.

How much does a patent lawyer cost?

In this case, a patent lawyer tends to cost between $1,000 and $3,000. Depending on your invention, it may qualify for both a design and a utility patent. It's important to discuss your invention with your lawyer, as a design patent can be limited, whereas a utility patent is broader, increasing overall protection.

Why is it important to have legal support when filing a patent?

When you file a patent, you are required to highlight every detail of your invention. This is also why having legal support is beneficial -- especially if you ever need to defend your patent. Maintenance fees that are required three times throughout a patent's life. This drives up the final cost.

How to get a patent for a cheapest way?

Of course, the cheapest way to obtain a patent is to complete this process yourself. To do so, you should take critical steps. Keep clear, detailed records. It's recommended that you record every step involved in the process of your invention, filling notebooks that are dedicated to your idea.

How much does it cost to get a patent?

According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the basic cost to file a patent application is $300. However, if you are a small entity, the price is $150, and the micro entity fee (for an individual) is just $75.

How to reduce patent costs?

One way to reduce your patent costs is by filing a provisional patent application in the beginning of your patent perusal process. A provisional patent application, like a non-provisional patent application, will require that you include all details about your invention.

Why is provisional patent application higher?

A provisional patent application for any kind of software comes with higher fees because there is more complex information associated with these applications. Another major factor that will affect your price quote is the number of published applications of patents that already exist and are similar to your invention.

What to do when you have an invention that you want to protect but you aren't ready to pursue a

The best thing an applicant could do when they have an invention that they want to protect but they aren’t ready to fully pursue a patent is to file a provisional patent application . This will allow you to quickly protect your rights and obtain a “patent pending” status. When you file a provisional patent application, you are not required to include the same number of formalities that you must include in a non-provisional patent application. This means the provisional patent application will be significantly less expensive for you. Although the preparing process for a provisional patent application is not as complex, you do still need to provide a detailed description of your idea or product and prove you have done enough preparation to show that the invention works (even if you still plan to make modifications).

Why is patent search important?

A patent search is highly advantageous because it may help you realize that moving forward with a patent application might not be the right decision. And if a patent application is the right decision, the patent application will be even better because you will have a clearer sense of what lies ahead.

How much does a micro entity have to pay for a patent?

Micro entities are required to pay a minimum fee of $400. These should be considered very general estimates. In addition to government filing fees, attorney’s fees could exceed $15,000. The intricacy of the invention and the type of patent protection will influence the cost of your patent attorney fees.

How much does it cost to do a patent search?

Although you can do this on your own, it may be more worth your time to invest in a professional patent search. This can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000. A patent attorney can help you conduct this patent search and they will often outsource the patent search to other law firms that specialize in this process.

Why is it so hard to pin point a price quote on a utility patent?

Pinpointing an exact price quote on the cost of a utility patent in the US is difficult because much of the cost relies on the technology involved. “It depends” is not the answer that inventors what to hear, but as a general rule of thumb remember that you get what you pay for and that can be applied to patent applications.

1. Patent Attorneys Fees Explained – IPWatchdog.com

If you are looking for experienced patent attorneys at a reputable firm you should anticipate hourly rates to be somewhere between $275 to $400 per hour in Tue, Sep 7Stop losing time, money, sleep Sep 12 – Sep 15IPWatchdog LIVE at the Sep 13 – Sep 15Alt Legal Connect 2021 (1) …

2. 2021 Average Cost of a Patent Lawyer (with Price Factors)

Aug 26, 2020 — Attorney’s fees · Drafting and filing a nonprovisional patent application: $4,500 · Drafting and filing a provisional patent application: $2,000. (4) …

3. How Much Do Patent Attorneys Charge – BlueIron IP

The average patent cost about $60,000, and most of that goes to your patent attorney. How much do patent attorneys charge? Be prepared to pay them about (7) …

4. How much does a quality patent cost? – OC Patent Lawyer

Aug 17, 2019 — The drawing fees are typically about $500 to $1000. They usually run around $40 to $150 per drawing page. Attorney fees. The rest of the cost is (9) …

5. Cheapest way to get a patent – Miller IP Law

The typical cost to hire an attorney to prepare and file a provisional patent application is $1750-$3000 and a non-provisional patent application is $5750-$ (14) …

6. Patent Application Cost (Bitlaw Guidance)

A patent attorney will usually charge between $8,000 and $10,000 for a patent application, but the cost can be higher. In most cases, you should budget (17) …

What if you could get a flat fee quote before hiring a patent attorney?

Many attorneys charge an hourly rate. Some patent attorneys charge $500 an hour or more. Even an hourly rate of $200 per hour can add up fast. And the worst part is that you don’t know how much you’ve spent until the bill arrives.

Does a flat fee cover everything?

At Trenner Law Firm, the flat fee DOES cover everything that we tell you it covers. For example, when you hire Trenner Law to prepare and file a provisional patent application, we write the patent application, we send you a draft for review and input.

How Much Does a Patent Cost (According to a Patent Attorney)

Inventors are filled with creativity, technical knowledge, and specialist skills – a solid legal background isn’t usually required; until you need a patent.

The 3 Factors that Determine the Cost of Filing a Patent

Anyone researching a patent price will already know, applying for a patent can be an expensive task.

Your Options When it Comes to Patent Filing

Patents are necessary to make sure your small business gets the recognition it deserves for the inventions it makes.

The Cost of Filing a Patent for 3 Different Patent Application Types

There are three broad types of patent applications, each with different costs.

1. The Cost of Obtaining a Patent in the US – IPWatchdog.com

Apr 4, 2015 — The cost for attorney time alone for a provisional patent application is typically at least $2,000. The filing fee is $130 for a small entity Tue, Sep 7Stop losing time, money, sleep Sep 12 – Sep 15IPWatchdog LIVE at the Sep 13 – Sep 15Alt Legal Connect 2021 (1) …

2. 2021 Average Cost of a Patent Lawyer (with Price Factors)

Aug 26, 2020 — The average cost for an Intellectual Property Lawyer is $300. To hire an Intellectual Property Lawyer to complete your project, (4) …

3. How Much Do Patent Attorneys Charge – BlueIron IP

The average patent cost about $60,000, and most of that goes to your patent attorney. How much do patent attorneys charge? Be prepared to pay them about (7) …

5. How Much Does a Patent Cost? – The Balance Small Business

Patent Attorney and Agent Fees — Other costs of patents include: Search fees; Examination fees; Attorney and patent agent fees. Typical Patent (14) …

8. How much does a patent cost from start to finish?

How much does a cost to file a patent application? · attorney’s fees (the largest cost by far); and · out-of-pocket expenses, including USPTO government fees and (24) …

9. 6 Things to Know Before Hiring a Patent Attorney – Triangle IP

Often, attorneys simply quote the cost for drafting the application without the argument costs, government fees, etc. It is typical for an attorney to say it (27) …

What is the qualification to become a patent attorney?

Attorney qualifications. A patent attorney must be admitted both to the state bar and the patent bar, which is the USPTO registration exam. By passing the exam, attorneys prove that they understand the USPTO’s policies and procedures and are allowed to practice patent law.

How long does a patent consultation last?

This consultation may last only 15 minutes, however. To manage costs afterward, people should come to each meeting fully prepared to discuss the idea for the patent.

What is the best way to keep costs to a minimum?

Some attorneys offer startup packages to new companies, which can help save on costs. Otherwise, working with a patent agent is the best way to keep costs to a minimum.

Why do inventors hire patent lawyers?

For many inventors, hiring a patent lawyer or agent is an investment in protecting intellectual property, which can mean the difference between a successful startup business or a failure.

How to manage costs afterward?

To manage costs afterward, people should come to each meeting fully prepared to discuss the idea for the patent. The invention should be thoroughly documented in a guide that the attorney can refer to. This kind of preparation helps limit the number of unplanned questions that extend meetings.

Can a patent agent litigate?

Patent agents are not qualified to practice law, but they are trained to do all of the same work in relation to filing a patent with the USPTO. They can’t litigate in federal courts, however. Agents are "substantially less expensive" than attorneys, charging on average $100 to $200 an hour compared with attorneys’ fees of $300 to $400 an hour.

Do attorneys charge hourly fees?

Attorney’s fees. In general, most attorneys charge by the hour. However, some patent law firms charge set fees for each patent-related service and charge an hourly fee for additional work. Such fees don’t usually include the fees charged by the USPTO to file a patent.

What is a patent lawyer?

Patent lawyers often manage a team of specialists: technicians with expertise in the field, illustrators to make figures and paraprofessionals that make sure the filings are complete. All of this adds up, and quickly, making utility patents expensive.

What is provisional patent?

Provisional Patents. If you are not ready to invest in a patent but want to protect your rights, file a provisional patent. In the United States, inventors can submit a draft patent application and, within a year of filing, convert it to a full utility application.

What is utility patent?

Utility Patents. Utility patents protect specific kinds of things: machines, methods or systems. There are other kinds of patents that exist, which do not require such complex applications or drawn out prosecution. A design patent, for example, protects the way an invention looks.

What is the downside of a utility patent?

The downside is that your scope of coverage will be limited to tools that look just like your design. Your utility patent may be broader, covering multiple angles and products.

Can a design patent protect aesthetic design?

Design patents can only protect aesthetic design choices. For example, if you invent an improvement for a tool with a handle bent to a particular angle that improves ergonomics, then your invention may be eligible for two different patents. A utility patent that describes useful handle angles for ergonomics.

Do patent lawyers pay more for malpractice insurance?

There is a reason that patent lawyers pay more for malpractice insurance than almost any other kind of lawyer. If you want to save money and get the best patent possible then do some of the work yourself. A great start is to conduct your own patent search. Today, you have amazing tools at your disposal.

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Patent Cost

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To obtain a patent, you could pay as little as $900 if you take the "do-it-yourself" approach, or an average of $6,000 to $12,000if you seek help from a patent attorney. The final cost to patent an idea will depend on the complexity of the invention and the type of patent that's required. Obtaining a patent can help you pr…
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Table of Contents

Average Cost to Patent An Idea

  • The average cost to patent an idea ranges from $5,000 to $16,000+ depending on how simple or complex your invention is. An extremely simple design such as a paper clip typically costs $5,000 to $7,000 to patent, whereas a highly complex invention such as software or satellite technologies runs $14,000 to $16,000+.
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Cost to File A Patent Application

  • According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the basic cost to file a patent application is $300. However, if you are a small entity, the price is $150, and the micro entity fee (for an individual) is just $75. The main distinction between these costs is whether or not you take the "do-it-yourself" approach or seek help from a patent attorney. Of course, each sc…
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Patent Costs by Type

  • The type of patent you apply for will also impact the cost. For example, a provisional patent can cost up to $3,000, whereas a utility patent can cost up to $15,000or more. Each type of patent is best suited for varying scenarios. 1. A utility patent is ideal when you want to protect a tangible item or product. This is the most expensive type of patent, costing between $5,000 and $15,000…
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a poor man's patent?
    While this is an interesting theory, it is no longer valid. If you hear about a poor man's patent, this refers to the process of drafting a document that outlines your invention. The idea is that upon sealing and mailing the document to yourself, you could show a date based on the postmark. Th…
  • What is the cheapest way to get a patent?
    Of course, the cheapest way to obtain a patent is to complete this process yourself. To do so, you should take critical steps. 1. Keep clear, detailed records. It's recommended that you record every step involved in the process of your invention, filling notebooks that are dedicated to your idea. 2…
See more on thervo.com