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By J.D. Houvener
Patent Attorney and Founder

How Can You Afford Patenting as an Independent Inventor?

Hey there, I’m JD Houvener, founder of Bold Patents Law Firm and author of Bold Ideas: The Inventor’s Guide to Patents. If you’re just starting out as an inventor and worried about patent costs, you’re not alone. It’s a big question I hear all the time.

Let’s break it down and keep it simple.

The Cost Problem

Patenting can feel expensive—sometimes tens of thousands of dollars. That’s a lot for an individual. The best way to approach it? One step at a time. Instead of trying to handle everything at once, focus on manageable pieces.

First Things First: Research

Your first and most important step is research. Hire a patent attorney to see if your invention is truly unique. They’ll search existing patents and let you know if your idea is worth pursuing. This upfront work can save you a lot of money later. Why spend thousands on a patent application only to find out your invention doesn’t qualify?

Funding Options That Work

If cost is holding you back, there are ways to get help:

  • Start small: Save up for one step at a time.
  • Ask for help: Friends and family might pitch in if they believe in your idea.
  • Look for grants: Check out government programs like SBIR for free funding.
  • Consider loans: SBA-backed loans are great if you have a solid plan.

Once you have research in hand, you can confidently share your findings with investors. Show them you’ve done the homework and are serious about your idea.

Take Action

Patenting doesn’t have to happen all at once. Start with research, plan your next steps, and build from there. Small, steady progress beats feeling stuck.

Want to get started? Download the Bold Inventor Kit below. It’s a great tool to guide you.

I’m JD Houvener. Let’s move your ideas forward—one step at a time.

About the Author
J.D. Houvener is a Registered USPTO Patent Attorney who has a strong interest in helping entrepreneurs and businesses thrive. J.D. leverages his technical background in engineering and experience in the aerospace industry to provide businesses with a unique perspective on their patent needs. He works with clients who are serious about investing in their intellectual assets and provides counsel on how to capitalize their patents in the market. If you have any questions regarding this article or patents in general, consider contacting J.D. Houvener at https://boldip.com/contact/