Securing a patent can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to understand how much it will cost. At Carson Patents, our goal is to make this process more transparent, predictable, and approachable. Rather than surprise fees or vague hourly estimates, we offer all-inclusive flat-rate patent fees tailored to the complexity of your invention.
From initial search and patentability evaluation to drafting, filing, and prosecution, our services are designed to guide inventors through every step of the process. Whether you’re an individual inventor, startup, or established company, you’ll find straightforward pricing based on your invention’s type, technical complexity, and your USPTO entity status.
On this page, we explain how patent costs are structured and how our all-inclusive service model works. All quoted fees include every action and service through either a final rejection or a notice of allowance and issue—no hidden fees, no surprise charges. You’ll also find examples of utility and design patent plans organized by complexity level—so you know exactly what to expect.
For more insights and examples of our patent pricing, please refer to our patent application cost calculator, and dedicated patent costs page. You can also find out the costs for just a patent search and patentability analysis using our prior art search and patentability study cost calculator.
Understanding Patent Application Fees
Applying for a patent involves several types of fees. Understanding the cost to file a patent can help you prepare for the patent application process.
Filing Fees
When applying for a patent in the United States, you must pay USPTO filing fees. These include charges for submitting your application, as well as additional fees for excess claims, application size, and examination. It is crucial to calculate and pay these fees accurately and promptly to avoid delays. The USPTO fee schedule details the costs of each patent fee.
The USPTO charges different fees based on the applicant’s entity status: micro entity, small entity, or regular entity. Small entities receive a 60% discount on most fees, while micro entities receive an 80% discount. Learn more about USPTO entity status and qualifying criteria. Consulting a licensed patent practitioner can help you understand these discounts and entity status requirements.
For international patent protection, separate filing fees apply and vary by country and region. The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and Hague applications allow you to file a single international application, though individual countries may have their own fees and requirements.
Patent Practitioner Professional Service Fees
In addition to USPTO fees, licensed patent practitioners, including patent attorneys and patent agents, charge service fees. Patent attorney fees and patent agent fees cover the professional time and expertise required to conduct patent searches, prepare and file patent applications, and manage the overall patent prosecution process.
Different patent practitioners structure their fees differently, which can include flat rates, hourly rates, equity interests, and contingency fees. It is essential to understand these fee structures and choose a practitioner whose pricing model aligns with your budget and needs.
Patent attorney costs and patent agent costs might seem significant, but they are often worth the investment given the potential value of a patent. Learn more about determining patent value. Seeking professional assistance from a licensed patent practitioner is highly advisable to ensure your application is well-prepared and has a higher chance of approval. Patent practitioners understand the legal and technical requirements for a successful application, identify potential issues early, and write strategic claims and correspondences. This reduces the likelihood of USPTO rejections, potentially saving time and additional costs. Additionally, patent attorneys can navigate the complexities of patent law and provide strategic advice tailored to your invention and business goals.
Inventor Tip: When looking for expert patenting help, keep in mind that only a USPTO licensed patent attorney or patent agent can prosecute patents for you.
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How Are Professional Patent Service Fees Determined?
Patent Application Type
The type of patent application you choose impacts the professional fees associated with patent application services. Utility patents, which protect the functional aspects of an invention, are typically more expensive due to their complexity. Design patents, which protect the ornamental aspects of an invention, generally involve lower costs. Read more about what to expect in the utility patent application process and what to expect in the design patent application process.
The choice between filing a provisional or non-provisional utility application also affects professional patent fees. A provisional patent application serves as a temporary placeholder for a non-provisional utility patent application filed later. It can help you secure an early filing date while providing more time to develop a complete non-provisional application. Although a provisional application may be less expensive initially, it can lead to higher overall costs in the long run and may offer limited protection and strategic value. Consulting a licensed patent practitioner can help you determine which type of application best suits your needs.
Invention Complexity and Characteristics
The complexity and technical makeup of your invention are primary factors that determine the cost and scope of patent services. To provide more clarity and consistency, we categorize inventions into eight levels of complexity. These levels reflect the depth of engineering, integration, and innovation required to draft and prosecute a patent application effectively.
Level 1 – Elementary Concept
Description: A single function or principle with minimal parts and straightforward implementation. Examples:
- A fixed-length lever or simple fulcrum
- A plain on/off valve
- A one-step chemical indicator strip (e.g., pH paper)
Level 2 – Basic Assembly
Description: A handful of components (2–5) with simple interactions and low precision or tolerance requirements. Examples:
- A multi-gear wind-up toy
- A two-component adhesive formulation
- A basic spring-return mechanism
Level 3 – Single-Domain Electromechanical
Description: Integration of electrical and mechanical parts with basic control logic or manual operation. Examples:
- A DC motor with a simple on/off switch
- A battery-powered flashlight with reflector
- A temperature sensor driving a single relay
Level 4 – Stand-Alone Software or Control Logic
Description: Software-based inventions using conditional logic with a small codebase (<1 kLOC), and no use of AI or machine learning. Examples:
- A microcontroller program cycling LEDs
- A smartphone calculator app
- A PLC ladder-logic routine for turning a conveyor on/off
Level 5 – Multi-Domain Integration
Description: Combined mechanical, electrical, and software components with moderate part count and parameter tuning. Examples:
- A 3D printer (motion control + heater + firmware)
- A smart thermostat (sensor network + user interface + control logic)
- A portable medical pump with dosage algorithm
Level 6 – Advanced Algorithms & Networks
Description: Incorporates advanced algorithms (signal processing, optimization, basic ML) and connected systems (e.g., IoT or cloud). Examples:
- Edge-based image processing (e.g., OCR device)
- A drone with GPS-based waypoint navigation
- A recommendation engine using basic ML models
Level 7 – High-Order Multi-Disciplinary Systems
Description: Highly integrated inventions combining multiple scientific and engineering fields with high precision or novel fabrication. Examples:
- A lab-on-a-chip platform integrating microfluidics and analytics
- A soft-robotic gripper with adaptive control
- A composite material with tunable properties controlled by embedded systems
Level 8 – Frontier & Research-Grade Complexity
Description: Inventions based on emerging science or engineering fields, involving sophisticated architecture, advanced ML/AI, and specialized fabrication. Examples:
- A quantum-computing qubit array with error-correction protocols
- A CRISPR-based gene-editing delivery system
- A fleet of autonomous vehicles performing cooperative real-time mapping
Understanding where your invention falls on this complexity scale helps us offer more accurate cost estimates and timelines for patent work. Carson Patents uses this framework to set all-inclusive flat fees for search, drafting, filing, and prosecution—ensuring you know what to expect from the start.
All-Inclusive Professional Service Fees for Utility Patent Applications
Our all-inclusive patent service fees are structured to provide transparency and predictability for our clients. These fees encompass all necessary services to file and prosecute a patent application to notice of allowance and issue or final rejection without hidden costs. Our all-inclusive patent fees for utility patents are as follows:
Non-Provisional:
| Non-Provisional Utility Patent Application | Regular Entity | Small Entity | Micro Entity |
| Level 1 – Elementary Concept | $12,000 | $10,700 | $9,200 |
| Level 2 – Basic Assembly | $13,000 | $10,900 | $10,200 |
| Level 3 – Single‑Domain Electromechanical | $14,300 | $12,200 | $11,500 |
| Level 4 – Stand‑Alone Software or Control Logic | $16,000 | $13,800 | $13,100 |
| Level 5 – Multi‑Domain Integration | $17,300 | $15,100 | $14,400 |
| Level 6 – Advanced Algorithms & Networks | $19,400 | $17,300 | $16,600 |
| Level 7 – High‑Order Multi‑Disciplinary Systems | $20,900 | $18,800 | $18,100 |
| Level 8 – Frontier & Research‑Grade Complexity | $21,800 | $19,700 | $19,000 |
Provisional:
| Provisional Utility Patent Application | Regular Entity | Small Entity | Micro Entity |
| Level 1 – Elementary Concept | $9,600 | $8,300 | $6,800 |
| Level 2 – Basic Assembly | $10,600 | $8,500 | $7,800 |
| Level 3 – Single‑Domain Electromechanical | $11,900 | $9,800 | $9,100 |
| Level 4 – Stand‑Alone Software or Control Logic | $13,600 | $11,400 | $10,700 |
| Level 5 – Multi‑Domain Integration | $14,900 | $12,700 | $12,000 |
| Level 6 – Advanced Algorithms & Networks | $17,000 | $14,900 | $14,200 |
| Level 7 – High‑Order Multi‑Disciplinary Systems | $18,500 | $16,400 | $15,700 |
| Level 8 – Frontier & Research‑Grade Complexity | $19,400 | $17,300 | $16,600 |
Our patent fee structure is adjusted based on USPTO entity status. Additionally, our fees are organized by the complexity of the patent application. This allows us to account for the varying time and expertise needed for different inventions.
Our all-inclusive utility patent fees include all professional fees from the prior art search through the notice of allowance and issue or final rejection of the patent application. In other words, these patent fees cover the entire 5 steps to patent: the prior art search, patentability study, application writing, application filing, and patent prosecution, including examiner interviews, amendments, and USPTO office action responses. USPTO filing fees are included.
All-Inclusive Professional Service Fees for Design Patent Applications
Our all-inclusive patent service fees for design patents, which protect the ornamental aspects of an invention, encompass all necessary services to file a patent application without hidden costs. Our all-inclusive fees for design patents are as follows:
| Regular Entity | Small Entity | Micro Entity | |
| Design Patent Application | $7,400 | $5,700 | $5,200 |
Our fee structure is adjusted based on USPTO entity status. The fees listed include all professional fees from the prior art search through the notice of allowance or final rejection of the patent application. This means our design patent service fees include every necessary step in the application process: prior art search, patentability study, drafting and filing the application, and all parts of the patent prosecution process such as amendments and responses to USPTO communications. USPTO filing fees are included.
Expert Patent Attorney Services Available Online
Our all-inclusive patent fees provide a clear, predictable, and comprehensive solution for inventors seeking to protect their innovations. Our transparent fee structure for both utility and design patents ensures that clients know exactly what to expect financially when beginning the patent application process. Provisional utility patent fees range from $6,800 to $19,400. Non-provisional utility patent fees range from $9,200 to $21,800. Design patent fees range from $5,200 to $7,400.
At Carson Patents, we are committed to helping inventors secure patent protection for their inventions. Our team, led by highly experienced patent attorney and engineer, Greg Carson, offers tailored services to meet each client’s unique needs. From prior art searches and expert application drafting to prosecution and maintenance, we help inventors worldwide protect their intellectual property. Schedule a free patent consult with us to learn more about our services.
Veteran Discount: We offer a 25% discount on patent application fees (excluding USPTO filing fees) for veterans, active duty personnel, and their families. Learn more about our exclusive veteran discount.
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