What is the cost to get a patent pending for your new invention? Potentially, it can be fairly inexpensive if you do it on your own. However, like with many things in life, you get what you pay for.
Oftentimes, inventors will initially file for a patent pending in order to save costs. One way many inventors get a patent pending is by filing a provisional patent application. The drawback to provisional patents, however, is that they only give you patent protection for a year. As a result, the clock is ticking. Before you know it, the deadline for filing a utility patent will be fast approaching. Be aware that the US Patent and Trademark Office won't be giving you friendly reminders to file your utility patent application. Failure to file for a utility patent within a year, will result in your provisional patent being considered abandoned. If this occurs, you'll lose the filing date that was established by your provisional patent. This can be a big problem if you've been showing your invention to potential buyers and investors. If you have, your invention will now be considered public domain and no longer patentable.
An important thing to know about filing a provisional patent application is that the US Patent and Trademark Office doesn't examine them to determine their patentability. In fact, the US Patent Office doesn't even require you to include patent claims in your provisional patent application. In addition, you aren't required to describe the prior art or file an oath and declaration. All that is necessary is a clear description of your invention's purpose, how it's made, and how it accomplishes its' intended task. You are not required to include drawings in a provisional patent application. However, it is highly recommended.
Even though patent claims, a description of prior art and drawings aren't required in your provisional patent, it will be in your best interest to include them. Keep in mind that you will not be able to use the earlier filing date of your provisional patent for your utility patent, if the US Patent Office determines that it does not adequately describes your invention's purpose, how it works, and how it's made. Because of this, it's a good idea to have a professional patent attorney review your provisional patent application before it's filed.
A patent attorney will typically charge at least $2,000 for preparing a high quality provisional patent application. The filing fee is $130. Your patent attorney will typically charge you $100 to $125 for every drawing included in your application. As a result, expect your total cost to be at least $2,500 for a high quality provisional patent application for a mechanical or electrical device. Patent attorneys will often charge $5,000 or more for a high quality patent if your invention is more complicated.
Keep in mind that the above fees do not include doing a patents search. Doing a preliminary patent search should always be done before you proceed with creating your provisional patent application. Never skip doing a patents search! A patents search is absolutely critical. It will tell you whether it even makes sense to pursue a provisional patent in the first place. If your own preliminary search on the US Patent and Trademark Office website and a search on the internet determines your invention it is truly novel, then you should seriously consider proceeding to the next step... a professional patents search.
A professional patent search will usually cost $1,000 to $2,500. I know this sounds expensive. However, it will probably be the best money you can spend when it comes to patenting your invention. One benefit of this search is that it will tell you whether you'll be able to get broad enough patent claims in order to prevent potential competitors from circumventing your patent. If you're unable to obtain adequate patent protection, you should probably abandon the project and move on to the next one. If that happens, it might be a thousand dollars lost. However, it will probably save your many thousands of dollars and lots of time that could be spent more productively in the long-term.
In summary, when you do a professional patent search and have a patent attorney prepare and file a good quality provisional patent, expect to pay between $3,000 and $7,500. Don't forget that when you are trying to secure patent protection, you get what you pay for. Taking short cuts and not investing an adequate amount of money into getting a provisional patent can cost you dearly in the long run.
If you need help creating a provisional patent application, I would recommend checking out New Business Creator's service and product providers to find a patent attorney in your area. These professionals can be an invaluable resource when you are trying to navigate through this complicated process. Once you acquire patent protection, you can use IntellectualPropertyStore.com to showcase your invention to invention licensing agents, product promoters and potential licensees to either sell your patent or license it.
Many inventors don't want to license or sell their patent to an outside party. Their ultimate goal is to create a company that will manufacture and market it. If this is your ultimate goal, I would recommend checking out NewBusinessCreator.com. This web site simplifies and condenses the important things you need to know to be successful in business. It will also give you access to a number of affiliated sites that will help you raise capital, find skilled workers and assist in marketing and selling your product. So are you ready to make your dreams come true? Is it time to stop wishing and start planning your new future? If so, you owe it to yourself to visit NewBusinessCreator.com. You have nothing to lose. Access to the site is totally free. Remember that access to all of the listing sites for transforming your plans into reality can also be found in NewBusinessCreator.com.