Frequently Asked Questions




What is ProPatents.com?

ProPatents.com is not a marketing firm or invention submission clearinghouse. Rather, ProPatents.com is a service established by United States registered patent attorneys for the sole purpose of simplifying the patent application filing process. After you submit your information to ProPatents.com, a registered patent attorney will review your information, prepare your patent application and supervise filing the application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office - all for a fraction of what you could expect to pay if you hired a patent lawyer.



How does ProPatents.com work?

Just choose the type of patent application that you want to file, answer our easy online questionnaire (and upload, fax or mail any drawings, if applicable), and we’ll take care of the rest.

After you submit your information to ProPatents.com, a registered patent attorney will review your information and get started right away.

Provisional patent applications and design patent applications are filed with the USPTO on or before the next business day after we receive all of your information.

For non-provisional patent applications, we will contact you on or before the next business day with a flat rate charge for preparing and filing your application with the USPTO. We will not get started preparing the application - and you will not incur any cost - until you have specifically authorized us to do so.

For more information, click here.



Why should I use ProPatents.com?

•You Can Expect Top Quality
Nothing is more important than the quality of your patent application. Our patent professionals will review the information that you provide, and make sure that your application is prepared and filed in a timely and professional manner.

•We Work Fast
Once you send us the information about your invention, our patent professionals immediately go to work. Provisional and design patent applications are filed on or before the next business day following receipt of your information. Non-provisional patent applications are frequently more detailed and take longer to prepare and file – so we will contact you on or before the next business day with a cost estimate and proposed filing date for your non-provisional application. Once you approve the estimate, we will get started working on your non-provisional patent application.

•We are affordable
By streamlining the process, we are able to prepare and file your patent application at very affordable rates. In most cases, our fees are substantially less than what you could expect to pay if you hired a patent lawyer.

•We Will Help You Every Step of the Way
Our patent professionals are available to give recommendations and answer your questions about your patent application. You can reach us any weekday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (phone), or via email.

•We Guarantee Your Satisfaction
We guarantee that you will be completely satisfied with ProPatents.com or your money back.



What type of patent applications will ProPatents.com file?

ProPatents.com will file:

  • United States Provisional Patent Applications
  • United States Non-Provisional Patent Applications
  • United States Design Patent Applications

For more information, click here.



What’s the difference between these types of patent applications?

Provisional patent applications are "interim" patent applications for protecting the function of your machine, device or business process. Although not examined by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, provisional patent applications permit immediate "Patent Pending" status. Provisional patent applications also allow inventors to obtain a priority filing date for one (1) full year.

Non-Provisional patent applications are "standard" patent applications that are fully examined by United States Patent and Trademark Office. If approved by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the application is eligible to issue as United States Utility Patent for protecting the function of a machine, device or business process.

Design patent applications are for protecting only the ornamental design (that is, the appearance - not the function) of an invention. Although the protection provided by design patents may not be as broad as utility patents, design patents are often ideal for items having unique ornamental designs, such as jewelry, clothing and accessories, furniture, etc.

For more detailed information about the different types of patent applications, click here.



How much does ProPatents.com cost?

Our fees depend on the type of application that we prepare and file. Our current rates are:

Provisional Patent Applications: $195
Non-Provisional Patent Applications: $4,500*
Design Patent Applications: $595
 

* Estimated


Why is the cost for non-provisional patent applications "Estimated"?

In most cases, our cost for preparing and filing non-provisional patent applications will be $4,500. However, depending on the complexity of the invention, non-provisional patent applications can take much longer to prepare and file. Accordingly, after we receive and review the information about your invention, we will contact you with a firm price for preparing your non-provisional patent application. There will be no charge until you specifically agree to this price and authorize us to prepare your non-provisional patent application.



Are there any other costs associated with filing my patent application?

Yes. In addition to ProPatents.com fees, the United States Patent and Trademark Office will charge filing-related fees, which are subject to change. Currently, these governmental filing fees are:

Provisional Patent Applications: $110
Non-Provisional Patent Applications: $545*
Design Patent Applications: $230

* The filing-related fees for non-provisional patent applications can vary,
depending on the number and type of claims submitted in the application.

At checkout, we will include a charge for all applicable governmental filing fees that must be paid.



Do I need professional drawings?

ProPatents.com recommends professional drawings, especially for non-provisional patent applications and design patent applications. The United States Patent and Trademark Office has specific requirements for patent drawings filed with non-provisional and design patent applications. However, in many cases, informal drawings can be used for provisional patent applications.

We can work with your drawings, so long as they meet applicable U.S. Patent and Trademark Office requirements, and accurately reflect your invention. We also provide professional drafting services by experienced patents draftsmen. Just call (877) 344-0007 for more information regarding our patent drafting services.



How do I get my drawings to you?

You can upload drawings to us as .PDF or .JPEG attachments as part of our online questionnaire. You can also fax your drawings to us at (337) 984-2503, or mail them to us at:

ProPatents.com
P.O. Box 52169
Lafayette, LA 70505

IMPORTANT NOTE: All drawings MUST have your Propatents.com client reference number attached so that we can associate the drawings with your application.



Do I need a professional patent search?

Technically, an inventor is not required to perform a patent search prior to filing a US patent application. However, in most cases, it does not make economic sense to perform a professional patent search prior to filing a provisional patent application.

It is often wise to have a professional patent search performed prior to filing non-provisional and/or design patent applications. ProPatents.com can assist you with your patent search needs. Just call (877) 344-0007 for more information regarding our patent search services.