Can I get an attorney to help patent my application?

The costs are determined by a few things. The field of art is the major determining factor - generally software patents are more time consuming and harder to write than say a simple mechanical toy. The cost to draft a utility application can range from approximately $4,000 to greater than $20,000 depending on the complexity. The number of drawings needed also determine the cost (unless the client is supplying their own drawings) If a search is needed, it also can drive the cost up.

Mistakes can be costly to have fixed, and the damage may be irreversible. Some mistakes can even end up rendering a patent application invalid and an inventor could lose some or all rights to their own invention. So it is usually a good idea to hire a registered patent attorney to help file a patent application, rather than trying to do it yourself. Patent attorneys charge different rates, depending on a number of factors, including how complicated the invention is, their experience, their geographic location, and even the size of their law firm. Call a few attorneys to get a good idea of what some of the charges might be. And don't forget that the US Patent Office charges fees in addition to the attorney fees. Many law firms, including my own, will offer a flat fee arrangement, so that you know the total cost up front.