Avoid the frustration of managing your intellectual property costs. The pricing structure below is an attempt to rectify the uncertainties associated with obtaining intellectual property protection.
An estimate for most services will be provided at an early stage of the process. If requested, a written quote will be provided after a full description of the invention and the desired services has been provided (and other relevant information has been obtained). You will be charged the quoted price unless the description changes (this includes modifications or additions to the invention itself). When possible, you will be notified in writing how the quote has changed. Telephone conversations (including the initial call), meetings, and correspondence associated with a quoted service are generally included in the quote. Telephone conversations, meetings, and correspondence not specifically associated with a quoted service may be charged at an hourly rate. Non-standard reminders are not included and will be billed separately.
Costs and fees from foreign associates, draftsmen, search agents, and other service providers will be passed on directly. Although you may be charged for additional attorney time associated with these projects, there will not be an additional surcharge.
Unless otherwise agreed upon, a retainer of half the estimated fee and all anticipated costs will be required for most projects. For projects with quick turn-around times, the low estimate will be required as a retainer. The remainder will be due upon completion of the project. (For example, a patent application would be "complete" when you are provided with the final version of the application and the formal papers for your signature.)
The patent fee calculator can be used to calculate an estimate ranges for (1) filing costs (high and low), (2) total costs (high and low) (this includes the filing costs), and (3) continuation filing costs (high and low). Please note that the estimates provided by the calculator must be confirmed before they may be relied upon.
Service | Exemplary Pricing: Most fees are included in these figures. They are, however, rough estimates. Please contact me for a more exact quote. |
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Initial Consultation | Free initial telephone consultation for preliminary matters (verifying no problems with subject matter, dates, and conflicts).
An initial office consultation costs $100 per hour (with a minimum of one hour) payable at the first meeting. $100 of this fee will be applied to work done if the work is authorized at the initial office consultation and the retainer is received. |
Design (Ornamental) Invention | Application: $3,500-$4,500 for a single embodiment. $500-$1,000 for each additional embodiment. PTO filing fees and drawing drafting costs are included.
Total Cost of Patent (including application (above), prosecution, and issue fee - there are no maintenance fees): $6,000-$10,000. |
Mechanical Invention | Application: $7,000-$10,000 for a single embodiment. $1,300-$1,800 for each additional embodiment. PTO filing fees and drawing drafting costs are included.
Total Cost of Patent (including application (above), prosecution, issue fee, and three maintenance fees): MINIMUM of $25,000. |
Software, Business Method, & Electrical Invention | Application: $8,000-$15,000 for a single embodiment. $1,500-$2,000 for each additional embodiment. PTO filing fees and drawing drafting costs are included.
Total Cost of Patent (including application (above), prosecution, issue fee, and three maintenance fees): MINIMUM of $40,000. |
Responding to Office Actions (Amendments) | $2,000-$3,000 for a response where 2-3 cited references are clearly distinguishable. More references or close references would increase this cost. (Note: this would be part of the "prosecution" in the total cost discussed above.) A written Office action analysis is not included in this cost. |
Reminders | $50 - Most costs are inclusive. Reminders, however, are not. Those not wanting reminders should provide written instructions that no reminders are necessary. |