There are many factors which impact the cost to file and obtain a U.S. patent. The basic fees are (from the USPTO FAQ page):
There are three basic fees for utility patents:
- The filing fee, which is non-refundable whether or not a patent is granted. (This is the cost to have your invention "examined" by the US Patent and Trademark Office - remember, you may or may not get a patent!)
- The issue fee (you pay this only if your application is allowed)
- Maintenance fees (paid at 3 1/2, 7 1/2, and 11 1/2 years after your patent is granted - these fees "maintain" your legal protection).
- Additional fees may be required.
For further information we recommend you contact the USPTO Contact Center at (571) 272-1000 or (800) 786-9199.
