How much does it cost to obtain a utility patent in the United States?
The cost to obtain a utility patent comes in two parts – professional fees and costs, and government fees. These costs vary depending upon the complexity of the invention, thus the complexity of the patent application.In terms of professional fees and costs for filing a utility patent application, mechanical inventions are relatively less expensive than electrical inventions which are in turn relatively less expensive than computer inventions which are in turn relatively less expensive than chemical inventions and business methods. A reasonable budget for the professional fees and costs for filing a simple mechanical invention is around $4,500. This covers the preparation of the application as well as the papers necessary to make the filing. Additional costs for formal drawings are around $100/page. Government fees for filing are estimated at $1,000, less if small business rates apply.Once filed, the patent office may issue one or more office actions. At least one office action dealing
