In "How much does a patent cost?" I cover in detail the expenses for a typical patent application, and also provide examples of what a typical intellectual property law firm would charge you to file a patent.
I am not a typical intellectual property law firm. I started my firm with the goal of reducing the overall cost of the patent process, while still providing the highest quality patent law services.
Therefore, my fee structure is different and much more predictable than the hourly rate model used by most intellectual property law firms. In another article, I discuss my fixed rate billing an demonstrate the advantages it gives in keeping costs down while maintaining quality representation as you pursue your patent.
Here are three cases that demonstrates examples of my fixed fee arrangements:
Case 1
Client A is a creative technology company that solves clients problems in areas spanning IT, cloud computing, branding, websites, training, etc. Client A created an innovative process for solving a problem in a particular industry, not specific to an individual client. On the recommendation of their corporate counsel, Client A met with me for a free consultation to assess whether the process was appropriate for patenting and what steps could be taken to further research patentability and infringement issues. At the client's direction, I performed a comprehensive written analysis of patents that may impact the client's ability to protect the invention and/or impede the client's ability to launch a non-infringing product. The total costs for the search, analysis, written opinion, including all related communications (phone call and emails) was $6,500. Upon the client's review of the analysis, Client A decided to move forward with a patent application and spin-off an independent new business to commercialize the invention. The total cost of the non-provisional utility patent application was $7,500, including all of my time, the drawing fees, the USPTO filing fees. For less than the cost of a typical patent application at a typical firm, Client A was able to comprehensively assess the risks of launching a new business venture and secure the business's core intellectual property.
Case 2
Client B is medical products company who is developing a new product in their field of expertise. Over the past nine months, I have met with the client on numerous occasions (in person and over the phone) to discuss the project developments and intellectual property implications. All of the consultations have been free of charge. It is important for me to understand where the client is in the project to provide appropriate strategic advice and removing the fee for consultations keeps the lines of communication open. Over that time, we have identified two patentable inventions and have filed a provisional patent application to cover each. The total costs of the two related provisional applications was $3,000. These two provisional patent applications have locked in the client's filing date and have allowed the client to postpone further patent related costs until the non-provisional patent applications are due. In addition, I have worked with Client B to develop and implement company wide policy for handling invention submissions (solicited and unsolicited) from people inside and outside of the company. The total fees for the development of the personalized invention submission policy were under $500.
Case 3
Client C developed a unique series of audio speakers that have been featured, among other places, in an Apple iPad television commercial and an exhibit at the Guggenheim Museum. I protected the client's creative product in a design patent application for less than $2,250 including all of the attorney fees, drawing fees, USPTO filing and issue fees. In addition, I have assisted Client C in preparing appropriate employment agreements to address non-disclosure, non-compete and IP assignment issues to clarify the employees rights and obligations for less than $500. Client C and I speak regularly (no cost) to make sure that we stay on top of any new designs and opportunities to protect their creative intellectual property.
These examples are provided to give you insight into how I approach my practice. To talk about your specific needs and the associated costs, please call (773) 697-8732 and ask to speak to Patrick.