How much does it cost to obtain a patent?

The estimate for a patent application will depend on the type of application that you submit to the United States Patent and Trademark Office and manner in which each application is prepared. An invention with less embodiments would be cheaper than an application that an invention that is complex.  

There are three basic fees for utility patents:

The filing fee, which is non-refundable whether or not a patent is granted. (This is the cost to have your invention “examined” by the US Patent and Trademark Office – remember, you may or may not get a patent!)

The issue fee (you pay this only if your application is allowed)

Maintenance fees (paid at 3 1/2, 7 1/2, and 11 1/2 years after your patent is granted – these fees “maintain” your legal protection).

Additional fees may be required. These include attorney fees and the cost to respond to official USPTO office actions after the application is filed.