how much does a design patent lawyer cost

by Dr. Oran Block DDS 10 min read

between $1,500 and $3,000

Full Answer

How much does a patent lawyer cost?

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 much do patent attorneys earn?

Salary. How much does a Patent Lawyer make? The average Patent Lawyer salary is $128,904 as of December 27, 2021, but the salary range typically falls between $102,154 and $147,867. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in ...

How to find a good patent lawyer?

  • Patent applications are complex documents that nonetheless have to be clear, understandable, and persuasive. ...
  • Your attorney should also be able to tell you why most patent applications are rejected. ...
  • This should also give you an idea of how your attorney plans to proceed with your specific application. ...

Can you get a patent without a lawyer?

Yes, it is possible to get a patent without a lawyer, but it will probably be a waste of money to file a patent application without a patent attorney or patent agent. Learn a New Language in 2022! Discover the secret to speaking a new language!

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Is it worth getting a design patent?

Design patents are worth it if you have a design that makes your product or article sell. Said differently, if your design encourages your customers to purchase your product, then obtaining a design patent for your product may be worth investing your time and money.

How much does a design patent protect?

A design patent protects how an object looks. A single product may have both a design patent and a utility patent at the same time. One of the key differences between the two patents is their lifespan. While a design patent may last 14 or 15 years, depending on its filing.

How much does it cost to patent a clothing design?

If you're an individual designer, you should expect to pay between $1,740 to $3,980 for an attorney to prepare and file your design patent application for an article of clothing with a unique design.

How much does it cost to have a patent search done?

$100 to $3,000A patent search cost can be anywhere from $100 to $3,000 depending on the complexity of your invention and covers research into existing patents and patent applications. You can use free online tools to do your own search, but an attorney can help you dig deeper.

Are design patents worthless?

Utility patents protect inventions that claim to have some practical application or use. (A lot of them still claim things that are actually useless, but they're supposed to be potentially useful.) “Design” patents, by contrast, protect only the ornamental or decorative aspects of a design.

How long does a design patent take?

Total length of design patent applications, known as total pendency, has been approximately 20 months on average. Basically, expect that a design patent will be granted in about 20 months from the filing date if approved.

What is a poor man's patent?

A poor man's patent is essentially writing out a description of your invention and then mailing that written description to yourself. This postmarked envelope supposedly acts to create the date of your invention as the date this written description was postmarked.

How do I file a design patent myself?

Steps to Filing a Patent ApplicationKeep a Written Record of Your Invention. Record every step of the invention process in a notebook. ... Make Sure Your Invention Qualifies for Patent Protection. ... Assess the Commercial Potential of Your Invention. ... Conduct a Thorough Patent Search. ... Prepare and File an Application With the USPTO.

What qualifies for a design patent?

To qualify for a design patent, the subject must be new in the sense that no single, identical design exists in the prior art, it must satisfy the ornamental standards, and it must be original to the inventor or inventors seeking protection.

What is the cheapest way to get a patent?

Cheapest way to get a patentDo-It-Yourself (Draft it and File it Yourself) ... Cost of Filing It Yourself. ... Still To Expensive? ... Cost of Filing It Yourself. ... Fiverr & Other Low Cost Options. ... If Budgets Allow - The Better Option Is to Use an Attorney. ... The Cost of An Attorney.

Can I do my own patent search?

Conducting a patent search on your own is not that difficult; in fact, many inventors and entrepreneurs conduct their own patent search to save money. However, if you have the budget for it, seeking professional assistance or using patent search software is always an excellent option for a more detailed search result.

How much does it cost to patent a logo?

What Does it Cost to Trademark a Logo? The cost to trademark a logo with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is $275–$660 as of June 2020, plus legal fees. You can register a trademark with your state for $50-$150, but federal registration offers a great deal more legal protection.

How much does a patent attorney cost?

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 ...

How much does it cost to file a patent?

On average, filing fees cost between $200 and $300. Lawyer fees are the major costs associated with patents. The amount you'll pay in patent lawyer costs varies, but a good attorney typically starts at anywhere from $300 to $500 per hour.

How to become a patent attorney?

To be qualified as a patent attorney, a lawyer will have to have achieved admission to both the state bar and the patent bar. Admission to the patent bar is achieved by satisfying the requirements of the USPTO registration exam. This exam will prove an attorney's knowledge as it pertains to patent law.

How much is the maintenance fee for a patent?

There are three maintenance fees that you will be required to pay to the USPTO throughout the life of your patent. The first maintenance fee will run $400 and is due 3 1/2 years after the patent is allowed. The next fee will be $900 and due at 7 1/2 years.

What is a nonprovisional patent?

You'll also need a different, more detailed type of application called a nonprovisional. The patent process involves a lot of research and paperwork, scientific knowledge, an understanding of patent law, and knowing how to follow the Patent and Trademark Office rules.

How long does a patent consultation last?

At this time, they will often discuss with you their costs and fees. This consultation will usually last about 15 minutes, and, typically, any meeting after that will be billed for. To help keep your costs as low as possible, you should always be prepared when you arrive at your attorney's office and avoid unnecessary conversation.

Can you write a provisional patent application?

With legal changes in patent law, however, you can no longer rely on this method. You can, however, write a provisional application. Self-drafting your own application is a decision you should carefully consider. While the choice comes down to you, be sure to consider long-term costs and protections.

How much does a patent cost?

How much does a design patent cost? A design patent application will cost about $2,000 to $3,500. After submission, examination costs will be around $1,000 to $2,000. In total, you’ll spend about $3,000 to $5,500 for a design patent as long as the examination goes smoothly. Read below to learn about best practices to maximize the benefit ...

What is a design patent?

August 19, 2019 by James Yang. A design patent protects the look of a product and not the function of the product. If you need a design patent, continue reading to learn more about costs and best practices. How much does a design patent cost?

What is a draftsperson for USPTO?

Draftspeople who work on patent drawings are good for schematic drawings or placing detailed CAD drawings provided by clients into an acceptable form for USPTO purposes. By hiring a product designer, that person will be able to go through the design iteration process that you need.

What happens when a competitor mimics your design?

When your competitor just mimics your design without any thought, then the design patent works fairly well to get that lazy competitor off of the market. However, the competitor can come back on with a similar but different product if they did some work to make the products look differently.

How long does it take to get a patent?

However, the key to select your patent attorney about 6 to 8 weeks in advance before the product launch date.

Is the allowance rate higher for a patent?

The allowance rate for a design patent application is higher than the allowance rate for a utility patent application. Moreover, because the cost to prepare and submit the design patent application is slightly higher than the cost to conduct a design patent search, many inventors don’t do a patent search for their design to find out if they can get a patent on it.

Can you file a patent right after cutting injection molds?

For example, you might file the design patent application right after you cut the injection molds. Injection molds are very expensive. As such, you have to commit to the design to cut the injection molds. Because of this commitment, you can file the design patent application at this time.

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.

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.

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 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.

What is a poor man's patent?

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. This would confirm the time in which your invention was first in your possession.

Gold

Electronic filing of your application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). (Electronic filing ensures the earliest possible filing date)

Speak with an attorney

When you apply for a design patent through LegalZoom, you can choose from two affordable pricing packages. The design patent cost for the standard package includes review, advice, and suggestions for improvement by a registered patent agent.

Why is the USPTO setting guidelines?

The USPTO has set guidelines for applicants so that there must be no errors in their patent applications. However, these guidelines are too many to follow. Therefore, you need to invest a lot of time in maintaining your patent application.

What is the function of the USPTO?

The fundamental function of the USPTO is to grant patent to applicants for the protection of their inventions. It’s an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Thus, it advises each government organization of the U.S. in matters related to “intellectual property”, both domestic and global.

How much does a utility patent cost?

A utility patent is one that protects how an invention works. That is, it protects the functional aspects of a design or device. In the United States, a utility patent for an invention typically costs $5,000 on the low-end, and the cost can reach over $15,000, depending on the complexity of what’s being patented. On average, utility patents cost around $8,500 for an invention that has medium complexity, such as a flashlight or a simple electronic gadget. More complex devices, such as cell phones, computer software, and medical devices, can easily exceed $15,000.

How to get a patent for free?

The cheapest way to get a patent is to prepare your patent application on your own and file it with the USPTO. This is not recommended because U.S patent law is quite complex, and making mistakes could end up costing you more time and money to fix down the road. If you don’t have the money to hire a lawyer, try hiring a patent agent as they usually charge less for the same type of services offered by attorneys.

Why do inventors patent their inventions?

The main reason inventors patent their inventions is to gain control over who can use, make, sell, and import the patented invention to the United States. Once an individual patents his invention, no one can use it without first obtaining his permission. This allows inventors to choose whom to allow to use their patented design/device. Many inventors sell their patents or license them to third parties in exchange for an agreed-upon fee.

Why do inventors file a provisional patent application?

Many inventors choose to file a provisional patent application prior to filing a regular nonprovisional patent application because provisional applications are cheaper to file since they require less formalities and preparation.

Can a poor man's patent get you a patent?

A poor man’s patent will not get you a patent, but here is what it means. A poor man’s patent involved mailing a description of your invention to yourself in order to establish a date for your invention from the mailing date stamped on the envelope. Please do not rely on this method as it does not work and will not help you obtain a patent in any way, shape, or form.

Who has the right to use a patent?

A patent owner has the right to control who uses, makes, sells, and imports his patented invention to the United States. No one can use or sell the patented invention or product without obtaining the patent holder’s permission.

Should I hire an attorney to patent my invention?

Yes, if you have an invention that’s worth patenting and you have the finances to patent your invention, you should hire an attorney to assist you. Patent attorneys are not cheap, so make sure you have a design/device that you can make money from before investing in hiring an attorney.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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) …

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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