Patent Attorney and Founder
How Much Does a Patent Cost in 2025?
Hi, I’m JD Houvener, founder of Bold Patents Law Firm and author of Bold Ideas: The Inventor’s Guide to Patents. If you’re thinking about patenting an invention, you’re probably wondering—how much does it cost?
The total cost depends on three key phases: pre-filing, filing, and post-grant. Let’s break it down.
1. Pre-Filing Costs (Up to $5,000)
Before you file, there are a few steps to take:
- Consultation with a patent attorney – This usually costs between $500 and $2,000.
- Patent search – A professional search ensures your invention is unique. Expect to pay a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars for a thorough review.
2. Filing & Prosecution ($25,000 – $40,000)
This stage covers drafting and filing your application, responding to USPTO office actions, and negotiating patent approval. The cost varies based on:
- Patent complexity – More complex inventions require more time and legal expertise.
- Office actions – If the USPTO pushes back, you may need multiple responses or appeals, increasing costs.
This process can take two to three years to complete.
3. Post-Grant Costs ($7,000 – $220,000+)
Once granted, a patent requires maintenance fees to keep it active. Expect to pay $7,000–$10,000 over its lifetime. If you need to enforce your patent rights, costs can skyrocket. Legal actions, infringement opinions, and market clearance checks can range anywhere from $5,000 to over $200,000 depending on complexity.
Total Estimated Cost: ~$40,000+
The full cost of getting, maintaining, and protecting a patent varies, but on average, expect to spend around $40,000.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments! And don’t forget to download the Bold Inventor Kit for free resources—including my book—to guide you through the process.
Go big. Go bold.