Washington, DC Patent Attorney

Washington DC Community!

Identify, Protect, and Enforce
Your Patent Rights!

Washington DC is most notable for its being the seat of government for the United States of America, but underneath that shiny, political veneer is a world of patents just bursting at the seams. That’s why we’re proud to call Washington DC our home!

From agriculture to artificial intelligence, intellectual property is everywhere. We at Bold Patents understand the importance of patent law in every industry. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to meet with entrepreneurs from all walks of life, not just the obvious tech startups.

Living in DC, we’re all familiar with the constantly changing nature of laws. The patent system is no different. Trying to navigate it alone can leave you trapped in a web of red tape and bogged down by bureaucracy. Fortunately for you, our day-to-day routine involves spending hours cutting through that legalese to get you the service that you deserve!

As every entrepreneur knows, to hesitate is to miss out. So, what are you waiting for? Come on down to Bold Patents to talk to our patent attorneys about your needs today!

How Much Do Patents Cost?

There are fees involved in several stages of the patent application process. Patents are secured through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and the USPTO has fees for applying for a patent, conducting a patent search, and the examination of the application. If the office grants your patent, you must also pay the issuance fee. There may also be additional fees to maintain the patent throughout its lifespan.

Each type of patent may have unique fees. There are basic fees, which may be lowered if you qualify to file as a small entity or a micro entity.

Utility patents are the most common type of patent. They protect an invention of a function or process, machine or article, or an object’s composition. Utility patents can protect your invention for up to 20 years. The fees for a utility patent include the following:

• Between $70 and $350 to apply
• Between $154 and $770 for conducting a patent search
• An examination fee of $176 to $880

Utility patents also have maintenance fees. If you do not make your maintenance fee payments, your patent will expire. These fees are as follows:

• $430 to $2,150 at three and a half years
• $808 to $4,040 at seven and a half years
• $1,656 to $8,280 at eleven and a half years

Design patents protect an innovative design of an article of manufacture or applied to an article of manufacture. These can be valid for up to 15 years. The fees for a design patent include:

• Between $60 and $300 for an application
• Between $60 and $300 for conducting a patent search
• A patent examination fee of $140 to $700
• An issuance fee between $260 and $1,300

Plant patents protect new asexually reproduced plant varieties, either invented or discovered. The patent also extends to parts of the plant, such as fruit. These patents can last up to 20 years. Their fees include:

• Between $48 and $240 to apply
• Between $97 and $485 to complete a patent search
• An examination fee of $145 to $725
• An issuance fee between $181 and $905

There may be other fees with the USPTO while applying for or maintaining patents. There may also be surcharges or fees for filing late, having errors in your application, or other complications. While it may seem additionally costly to work with a patent attorney, the right attorney can help you avoid errors and save on the cost of these fees and surcharges.

Your attorney may also limit your expenses by ensuring the patentability of your invention upfront and helping you determine which type of intellectual property protection most benefits your business goals. They can also help save you costs by determining if you qualify for a unique filing status.

What Protection Does a Patent Provide?

A patent can be applied to an innovative and new invention that is not derivative or theoretical. It may be an ornamental design, a process, an object, or other inventions. If you secure a patent for your invention, you secure the right to prohibit other individuals or entities from doing the following with your creation:

• Selling it
• Offering it for sale
• Making it
• Using it
• Importing it to the U.S.

A patent does not give you sole rights to sell, make, or use the invention. If a party infringes on your rights, you can take legal action against them. Patent applications and patent infringement cases can be pursued by anyone, whether you are a business owner or an individual inventor.

Find Your Industry’s Patent Requirements

Get targeted patent guidance for your specific industry. Click on your industry below to discover specialized patent requirements, strategic approaches, and how our attorneys can transform your ideas into protected assets.

Key Industries in Washington, DC That Fuel Innovation

The main industries in Washington, DC include:

• Life sciences
• Emerging technologies
• Tourism
• Media technology

There are nearly 294,000 jobs in healthcare and life sciences in DC. Innovation in the region is furthered by elements like:

• Georgetown University, which brings new talent and researchers to the area to further innovation, especially in life sciences
• Local investors, funding new ideas and research in the region
• City-based initiatives that provide support and connections for new entrepreneurs
• Research and development departments in significant local corporations
• Local government presence and tourism

Patents are an essential part of the city’s industry and push its main sectors further. Patent protection helps inventors safeguard their rights and interests, whether they are an existing business or an independent inventor. When you create something new, patent protection helps you get an essential competitive edge.

Crucial Resources for Innovators in Washington, DC

There are many crucial organizations, schools, programs, and other entities that support innovators with information, community-building, funding, and more. This includes:

• Local initiatives. City-based support for small businesses and entrepreneurs includes initiatives by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), funding, and community-growing opportunities. The DC Chamber of Commerce hosted 26 events in Fiscal Year 2024, involving 3,340 attendees, providing seminars and networking opportunities.
• Incubators and accelerators. These organizations help small businesses and start-ups get the funding and network they need to succeed. This includes organizations like WeWork Labs, 1863 Ventures, and DCode.
• George Washington University (GW) resources. The GW Technology Commercialization Office helps innovators secure licensing agreements and find ways to commercialize their inventions. In 2023, the university secured 19 patents.
• The Coalition’s small business resources. This organization collaborates with entrepreneurs, investors, and numerous businesses to foster growth in the DC ecosystem, offering events and funding for small businesses.
• USPTO offices. The Northeast Regional Outreach Office is located at 600 Dulaney Street in Alexandria, Virginia. In addition, there is a Patent and Trademark Resource Center located in the Founders Library at Howard University, right in Washington, DC. These resources help innovators like you learn more about patents and conduct patent searches when determining if you have a patentable invention.

When you hire a patent attorney, you can make the most of these resources. Whether you are an independent inventor or are building a small business, it can be difficult to know what resources are useful. An attorney with local understanding of DC can help you use the right resources to get the most benefits without wearing yourself out.

Your attorney also helps you protect your intellectual property as you use resources for development, ensuring that you retain the rights to your creation.

Why Should You Work With Bold Patents in Washington, DC?

The attorneys with Bold Patents understand patents and how intellectual property law impacts you, whether you are part of a business or independent. We have experience with a range of complex and evolving industries, including those that are essential to the DC landscape.

Our team has secured patents in health technologies, information technology, and many other essential sectors. We understand the most effective way to present and document your invention to give your patent application the greatest likelihood of success. You have made a bold invention, and you need a bold strategy to protect your creation. Our firm brings you tailored legal services that support your business goals.

FAQs

How Much Do Patent Attorneys Charge Near Washington, DC?

Patent attorneys near Washington, DC, charge differently based on several factors, including their past success with patent applications, their years of experience, and the type of legal services you need. It can also depend on the complexity of your case.

For example, if your invention is complex and requires numerous resources to properly document it, this can make your case more expensive. More experienced attorneys often have higher rates but may be better equipped to help you through the process and provide you with actionable advice.

What Is the Difference Between a Washington, DC Patent Lawyer and an IP Lawyer?

The scope of the practice and the licensure of a patent lawyer and an IP lawyer are different. Patents are a form of IP (intellectual property) protection, and patent lawyers are licensed to work with the USPTO and prepare patents. IP lawyers do not have this licensure, as their work and abilities are broader in scope.

The type of attorney you need will depend on your goals. If you want to secure a patent, you need a patent lawyer. An IP lawyer can provide general IP law information.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Secure a Patent in Washington, DC?

You are not required to hire a lawyer to apply for a patent in Washington, DC, but it is often very beneficial to do so. Without an attorney, you are less likely to have the resources and knowledge to complete a full and accurate application. Mistakes in the application can delay the process or even prevent you from securing a patent.

The USPTO will contact you for information, and you must respond quickly or risk having your application discarded. Working with an attorney can make this entire process more efficient.

What Is the Cost of a Patent in Washington, DC?

The cost to apply for a patent in Washington, DC, depends on the type of patent you want. The most common patent type, a utility patent, has an application fee of $320. This fee could be reduced to $128 or $64, depending on your filing status. A design or plant patent has an application fee of $220, which can be reduced to $88 or $44. These are not the only fees in the process, as you will need to pay a patent search and examination fee.

World Class Patent Attorneys
Serving Washington DC

Here in DC, we know the role that law plays in forming a vibrant community.

DC has long been seen as the focal point of American politics, but there’s much more to it than that. For more than 100 years, DC has also been a hotbed of patents, copyrights, and other intellectual property claims and it’s finally starting to get a name for it.

Whether you’re a first-timer learning the ropes of patent law or a seasoned expert with dozens of patents to your name, you’re going to want some guidance from the professionals in order to stay ahead of the curve. That’s where we come in!

By teaming up with Bold Patents, you can rest assured that your patent will go from an idea to untold profit in no time at all! Contact our office today.

Virtual Satellite Location

Washington, DC Patent Attorneys

Bold IP, PLLC

2200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

#4

Washington, DC 20037

Bold Patents J.D. Houvener, Esq., MBA, P.E.

Principal Patent Attorney, Bold Patents