Are you looking for a design patent? Perhaps, you want to know the latest design patent cost. However, it’s a long journey to get a patent; you have to be sure of taking it. First of all, you must have a clear picture of your invention. Moreover, you have to ask yourself: does my invention really need a patent or not? The answer to the question may help you calculate the amount of resources needed to be invested in the invention. Also, in some cases, getting a patent costs an arm and a leg. Therefore, you must have in-depth knowledge of design patent. In this article, we’re going to share the current design patent cost. Moreover, you’re going to see the factors that can change design patent cost.
Related Article: All about Non-provisional Utility Patent Application
Design Patent Cost in the United States
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) receives more than 600,000 patent applications every year. The fundamental function of the USPTO is to grant patent to applicants for the protection of their inventions. It’s an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Thus, it advises each government organization of the U.S. in matters related to “intellectual property”, both domestic and global. In addition, the governmental agency registers trademarks. It has defined three types of patents: design, plant, and utility. Here, we’ll talk about design patent and design patent cost.
In table 1, you can see basic filing fees listed by the USPTO for design patents. Also, the basic filing fee is USD 200. However, the USPTO has reduced its fee by 50% for small entity. Moreover, the fee for small entity has been further reduced by 50% for micro entity.
Table 1 the USPTO Basic Filing Fees
| Basic Filing Fees (USD) | |||
| Fee | Small Entity Fee | Micro Entity Fee | |
| Normal filing fee | 200.00 | 100.00 | 50.00 |
| Basic filing fee – Design CPA | 200.00 | 100.00 | 50.00 |
| Normal fee – Reissue (Design CPA) | 300.00 | 150.00 | 75.00 |
In table 2, you may find the latest patent search fees that the USPTO charges.
Table 2 the USPTO Patent Search Fees
| Patent Search Fees (USD) | |||
| Fee | Small Entity Fee | Micro Entity Fee | |
| Design Search Fee or Design CPA Search Fee | 160.00 | 80.00 | 40.00 |
| Reissue Search Fee or Reissue (Design CPA) Search Fee | 660.00 | 330.00 | 165.00 |
The table number 3 shows the latest patent examination fees.
Table 3 the USPTO Patent Examination Fees
| Patent Examination Fees (USD) | |||
| Fee | Small Entity Fee | Micro Entity Fee | |
| Design Examination Fee or Design CPA Examination Fee | 600.00 | 300.00 | 150.00 |
| Reissue Examination Fee or Reissue (Design CPA) Examination Fee | 2200.00 | 1100.00 | 550.00 |
Once you get a patent, you have to pay patent post-allowance fees and other fees like maintenance fees as well. Also, in table 4, we have listed fees that you applicants have to pay after getting a grant.
Table 4 the USPTO Patent Post-Allowance Fees
| Patent Post-Allowance Fees (USD) | |||
| Fee | Small Entity Fee | Micro Entity Fee | |
| Design issue fee | 700.00 | 350.00 | 175.00 |
| Publication fee for early, voluntary, or normal publication | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Publication fee for republication | 300.00 | 300.00 | 300.00 |
The USPTO maintains the comprehensive list of fees that you must submit after certain steps. Moreover, in this article, we covered basic filing fees, patent search fees, patent examination fees, and patent post-allowance fees. However, there are other fees that you may have to submit. You may see the additional fees here – The USPTO Fee Schedule. Thus, you may get a rough estimate of design patent cost by adding various fees listed by the USPTO.
Related Article: What are the Utility Patent Drawing Requirements?
What are the Factors that Can Influence Design Patent Cost?
Applicants file a design patent application to protect their inventive design that is for an article. The design should be new, original, and ornamental. Moreover, the inventive design shouldn’t exist on its own. Thus, the inventor must furnish the article embodied with the design. Previously, in the article, we discussed the USPTO design patent fees. Now, let’s look at the factors that can influence design patent cost:
Type of Entity
The USPTO ensures that everyone gets equal opportunity. Therefore, it has reduced its fee for various services so that micro and small entity get some support.
For instance, Design Examination Fees for small and micro entity are USD 300 and USD 150 respectively.
Hiring a patent attorney
The USPTO has set guidelines for applicants so that there must be no errors in their patent applications. However, these guidelines are too many to follow. Therefore, you need to invest a lot of time in maintaining your patent application. Moreover, the USPTO may reject your application if you haven’t followed its guidelines. Thus, many inventors prefer to have a patent attorney who can assist inventors in getting a patent. However, it’s not mandatory to hire a patent attorney. You may file your patent application on your own and represent your invention as well.
However, it’s recommended to have a patent attorney. You may hire a patent attorney on hourly basis. Also, their fee can start from USD 50 per hour and go up to USD 200 per hour.
You may reduce design patent cost significantly if you follow guidelines properly.
Who are the Professional Patent Illustrators?
Professional Patent Illustrators (PPI) offers illustration services at reasonable prices. Moreover, PPI has served clients from more than 45 countries for over a decade now. We have a team of experience illustrators that complies with guidelines. Also, our illustrators have an eye for detail. Moreover, you can provide us your design in multiple formats, and our illustrators can turn it into accurate illustrations. When you make an order with PPI, a dedicated sales manager will be assigned to you. He/she will assist you in a better way.
You may make an inquiry here – Professional Patent Illustrators.
Other Related Articles:
Patent a Process in the US: A Complete Guide
How to Write a Patent: The Most Important Tips, Tricks, and Hacks