How to Get a Utility Patent

Inventor filing paperwork to get a utility patent

The process of getting a utility patent begins with an idea. The inventor refines that idea into an invention by finding a way to implement the idea into the real world. Research uncovers what has already been done and informs the inventor how their invention is different. A prototype of the invention is made, and…

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How Long Does a Utility Patent Last?

Calendar marking how long utility patent lasts

A utility patent has a maximum duration of 20 years after the date the application was filed. Utility patents can expire earlier than this term if maintenance fees are not paid, or a court finds the patent invalid. The purpose of the patent system is to promote development in science. To encourage innovation the United…

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How Much Does a Utility Patent Cost?

Inventor calculating the cost of a utility patent

The cost of a granted utility patent can range anywhere from $755 to over $20,000. The cost of a utility patent varies based on the complexity of the invention, professional services used, and the status of the inventor. Simplified utility patent application cost estimate ($): Type of Fee Cost Preliminary patent search $500-$1000 USPTO fees…

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Utility Patents

Chalkboard with Utility Patents written in chalk

If you’ve ever heard Mark Cuban or Lori Greiner talk about a patent on Shark Tank, there’s a very good chance they were talking specifically about a utility patent. Utility patents make up 93% of all patent applications, making it by far the most common of the three types of patents. What Is a Utility Patent? A utility…

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Types

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) grants three different types of patents (1) utility, (2) design, and (3) plant. In 2020 the USPTO received 646,244 total patent applications. Approximately 93% of those applications were utility, 7% design, and less than 1% filed for plant patents. What Are the Different Types of Patents? Each…

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