How Much Does a Patent Cost in Utah?

One of the first questions inventors ask when they call a patent attorney is: "How much is this going to cost?" It's a reasonable question, and you deserve a straightforward answer.

Patent costs vary depending on the type of application, the complexity of the invention, and whether you hire an attorney. Here's a clear breakdown of what you can expect — and where to find current pricing directly from Dobbin IP Law.

The Two Main Types of Patent Applications

Most inventors in the United States file either a provisional patent application or a non-provisional (utility) patent application — or both in sequence.

A provisional application is a less formal filing that secures your filing date and earns you the "Patent Pending" designation for 12 months. It does not mature into an issued patent on its own. A non-provisional application begins the formal examination process and, if granted, becomes an issued patent with enforceable rights.

For a detailed comparison of the two, see our guide to provisional vs. non-provisional patent applications.

USPTO Government Fees

The USPTO charges its own filing fees, which are separate from any attorney fees. Fees vary by applicant type — individual inventors and small businesses (entities with fewer than 500 employees) qualify for reduced fees.

As of 2025, government fees for a provisional application are approximately $320 for a small entity and $160 for a micro-entity. For a standard non-provisional utility application, basic government fees range from approximately $800 to $1,600 depending on entity size and number of claims. These fees do not include the examination fee, issue fee, or maintenance fees that accrue over the life of the patent.

Government fees are set by the USPTO and change periodically. Your patent attorney can confirm current fees at the time of filing.

Attorney Fees in Utah

Attorney fees for patent work depend primarily on the complexity of the invention and the type of application. Simple mechanical inventions typically require less attorney time than complex software or biotechnology inventions.

Many patent attorneys charge hourly rates ranging from $300 to $500 per hour. At Dobbin IP Law, we offer transparent pricing for IP services — see the full fee schedule for current rates on all services.

Flat fees are available for certain services, including:

• Design patent application preparation and filing
• Trademark application preparation and filing
• Copyright registration
• Entity formation (Utah)

Utility (non-provisional) patent applications are billed hourly, not at a flat fee. Because the scope, complexity, and number of claims vary significantly from one invention to the next, an hourly approach ensures your application gets the time and attention it needs. Provisional patent applications are treated as the first phase of a non-provisional project and billed the same way.

For current Dobbin IP Law pricing, always refer to the Pricing page — it is the authoritative source and is updated whenever rates change. The estimates in this article are for general planning purposes and may not reflect the current fee schedule.

Total Cost Estimates for Utah Inventors

As a rough guide for a straightforward mechanical or electronic invention:

• Utility patent project (provisional through non-provisional): $3,200 – $4,800 + USPTO fees and drawing costs — this is the typical range at Dobbin IP Law for an average application (6–12 pages of specification, up to 20 claims, 6–8 drawing sheets). More complex inventions will fall above this range.
• Design patent application (flat fee): $480 + USPTO fees + draftsman's fees (typically $50–60 per sheet)
• Office action response: $2,000 – $4,000 per response (prosecution is always billed hourly)
• Maintenance fees (lifetime): $2,000 – $8,000 depending on entity size, paid directly to the USPTO

These estimates are a starting point for planning. For the most accurate figures, visit the Dobbin IP Law Pricing page before budgeting your project. Rates are reviewed periodically and the pricing page is always the most current source.

What Drives Costs Up or Down?

Several factors affect how much your patent will cost in total:

Complexity of the invention. A mechanical device with three parts requires far less description and fewer claims than a chemical process or a multi-component software system. More complex inventions mean more attorney time drafting the application and claims.

Number of claims. Patent claims define the exact boundaries of your protection. More claims generally mean stronger and broader protection — but they also increase both attorney time and USPTO fees. A skilled patent attorney can help you choose the right number and scope of claims for your situation.

Prior art searching. Before filing, it's valuable to search existing patents and publications to understand how your invention compares to what's already out there. A prior art search adds cost upfront but can prevent you from spending thousands on an application that the USPTO will reject for lack of novelty.

Prosecution. After you file a non-provisional application, the USPTO examines it and typically issues an Office Action — a written response with objections or rejections. Responding to Office Actions requires attorney time. Applications with complex or broad claims often require multiple rounds of prosecution before the patent is granted. Prosecution is billed hourly for all patent types.

Maintenance fees. Once a utility patent is granted, you must pay maintenance fees at 3.5 years, 7.5 years, and 11.5 years after issuance to keep the patent in force for its full 20-year term. These fees are paid directly to the USPTO.

Working With a Local Utah Patent Attorney

For inventors in Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, and throughout Utah, working with a local Utah patent attorney means you get direct access, clear communication, and someone who understands the Utah innovation ecosystem — without the premium billing rates of large coastal firms.

Geoffrey Dobbin offers a prepayment discount rate that keeps total project costs well below national averages for comparable work. The exact rates are published on the Pricing page and updated whenever fees change.

Is a Patent Worth the Cost?

That depends on your goals. A patent gives you the legal right to exclude competitors from your market — which can be enormously valuable if your product has commercial potential. Many technology companies, consumer brands, and medical device makers derive a significant portion of their business value from their patent portfolios.

For individual inventors and startups, the decision often comes down to: How likely is a competitor to copy this if I don't protect it? How much would I lose if they did? Would a patent help me attract investment or licensing deals?

An honest conversation with a patent attorney — ideally at no cost for an initial consultation — can help you weigh the investment against the likely return. Schedule a free consultation with Dobbin IP Law to discuss whether a patent makes sense for your invention.