What is the cost of filing a patent application?

The cost of filing a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office can vary significantly based on several factors. These factors include the type of application filed, whether it is a provisional or non-provisional application, and the size of the entity filing. As of my last training data, a provisional patent application typically costs less to file, often around one hundred dollars for small entities and higher for larger entities. A non-provisional application, on the other hand, generally incurs greater fees, which can range from several hundred to over one thousand dollars, depending on the applicant's entity size. Additionally, there are maintenance fees that also may apply after a patent is granted, as well as potential legal fees if the applicant chooses to work with a registered patent attorney or agent. It is important to consider these costs and plan accordingly. For the most accurate and up-to-date fee schedule, visiting the current web page of the US Patent and Trademark Office is advisable, as fees may be updated or revised.