There is no single all-in patent price. The budget depends on the filing type, entity status, technical work, prosecution, and countries involved.
Example Government Fees
The USPTO schedule checked October 16, 2026 lists these fees in U.S. dollars. Reduced rates require eligibility.
| Fee | Micro Entity | Small Entity | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provisional filing | $65 | $130 | $325 |
| Utility basic filing | $70 | $140 | $350 |
| Utility search | $154 | $308 | $770 |
| Utility examination | $176 | $352 | $880 |
The ordinary utility filing, search, and examination amounts total $400 to $2,000. A qualifying small entity’s electronic basic filing fee is $70 instead of $140. Extra claims, application size, format, paper filing, and other circumstances can add fees. Check the live schedule before paying.
Ask What the Quote Covers
Professional fees are separate. Ask whether a quote includes searching, drafting, drawings, responses to office actions, issue fees, and foreign filing work. No professional-fee range is quoted here because the work varies.
Budget Beyond Filing
An allowed application can incur issue fees. Utility patents generally incur maintenance fees later. A filing-only quote will not capture the entire life of a patent.