Provisional Patent Cost Overview
A provisional patent application is typically the most affordable way to establish an early priority date for your invention. However, costs can vary dramatically depending on how you approach the process.
Cost Comparison: Your Options
| Method | Drafting Cost | USPTO Filing Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patent Attorney | $3,000 - $10,000 | $320 | $3,320 - $10,320 |
| Patent Agent | $2,000 - $5,000 | $320 | $2,320 - $5,320 |
| AI-Powered (PatentProviso) | $100 | $320 | $420 |
| DIY (Self-Drafted) | $0 (your time) | $320 | $320 + time |
*USPTO filing fees shown are for micro entity status. Small entity: $640. Large entity: $1,280.
What's Included in Professional Drafting?
- Specification: Detailed description of your invention, how it works, and its advantages
- Claims: Legal definitions of what your patent protects
- Drawings/Figures: Technical illustrations of your invention
- Abstract: Brief summary of the invention
Why AI-Powered Drafting Costs Less
Traditional patent drafting requires hours of an attorney's time at $300-$500 per hour. AI-powered drafting automates much of this work while maintaining professional quality:
- No hourly billing - flat $100 fee regardless of complexity
- Hours instead of weeks - faster turnaround
- Bank-grade encryption keeps your invention confidential
Additional Costs to Consider
- Non-provisional conversion: $2,000-$15,000+ (within 12 months)
- International filings (PCT): $3,000-$10,000+
- Office action responses: $500-$3,000 per response
- Maintenance fees: Required at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years after grant