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 $64 and $320 to apply
• Between $140 and $700 for conducting a patent search
• An examination fee of $160 to $800
• An issuance fee between $240 to $1,200

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

• $400 to $2,000 at three and a half years
• $752 to $3,760 at seven and a half years
• $1,540 to $7,700 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 $44 and $220 for an application
• Between $32 and $160 for conducting a patent search
• A patent examination fee of $128 to $640
• An issuance fee between $148 and $740

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 $44 and $220 to apply
• Between $88 and $440 to complete a patent search
• An examination fee of $132 to $660
• An issuance fee between $168 and $840

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.

FAQs

Q: How Much Do Patent Attorneys Charge Near Washington, DC?

A: 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.

Q: What Is the Difference Between a Patent Lawyer and an IP Lawyer?

A: 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.

Q: Do You Need a Lawyer to Secure a Patent?

A: You are not required to hire a lawyer to apply for a patent, 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.

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

A: 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