Q: I had one of these ideas for a long time. How much does a lawyer cost to help with a patent?
I have wanted to get patents but feel I couldn't afford it. What should I expect in the process of contacting a patent attorney and the cost?
A:
A patent is a business tool. Just like a rice milling machine, or a tractor trailer truck, or a deep ocean trawler, or a customer list. It is just a tool.
What I ask people who are interested in getting a patent is whether they have a plan on how to monetize the patent that I could get for them. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to take money from people to get them a patent, but I'd have trouble sleeping at night knowing that I earned that money giving a client something that they can't use.
But to answer your questions.
The cost of getting and maintaining a patent is about as much as buying a car. Typically, $20K to $30K, but it could be as little as $10K or as much as over $100K. About a third up front.
To find a patent lawyer, contact a lawyer who you already know regardless of what area of law they practice, and ask the lawyer for a recommendation. It is in their best interest to give you a good recommendation. Note that each patent lawyers have their own speciality, and the recommended patent lawyer may then refer you to some other patent attorney.
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