|
How Much Does a Non-Provisional Patent Application Cost?
A non-provisional patent application is the full application that must be completed in order to begin the patent process. Depending upon the complexity of the application, the cost to prepare an initial patent application varies. Because our firm operates with extremely low overhead, we offer some of the most competitive rates in the country. Please feel free to contact us for a free initial phone consultation and quote regarding your particular needs.
What Is a Provisional Patent Application and What Does It Cost?
As an alternative to the non-provisional patent application, the initial utility patent application can be filed as a provisional application. A provisional patent application allows a company to use the term "patent pending" for the life of the application and is also useful to allow a company to develop the product further before filing a regular non-provisional patent application. Depending upon how much information is provided to us, the preparation fees for a provisional patent application typically range from $500 to $1,500.
What Is the Term of a Patent?
Generally, the term of a new utility patent is 20 years from the date on which the application for the patent was filed in the United States or, in special cases, from the date an earlier related application was filed, subject to the payment of maintenance fees. Under certain circumstances, patent term extensions or adjustments may be available.
|
Where Does Patent Protection Apply?
US patent grants are effective only within the United States, US territories, and US possessions. However, inventors may be granted international protection by filing for foreign patent protection.
What Types of Patents Are There?
There are three types of patents:
1.) Utility patents may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, compositions of matters, or any new useful improvement thereof;
2.) Design patents may be granted to anyone who invents a new, original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacture; and
3.) Plant patents may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers and asexually reproduces any distinct and new variety of plants.
What Is a Prior Art Search?
A prior art search is a search that is usually performed prior to beginning the patent application process. When performing a prior art search, we look for patents and published patent applications that are relevant to the patentability of your invention. In most cases, we recommend a prior art search so that you have a better understanding of what is out there. In some instances, although an invention has been patented, it has never been on the market and is unknown to the inventor. In such circumstances, discovering the invention through a prior art search has saved our clients the expense of going through the patent process only to find that the invention already exists. In other cases, identifying the prior art has aided the inventor in securing a strong patent. Please contact us today to discuss whether or not a prior art search is recommended for you.
|
