USPTO patent fee calculator
Estimate what you'll pay the USPTO for a utility patent, from filing through maintenance.
| Provisional application | $65 |
| Filing a utility application | $70 |
| Search | $154 |
| Examination | $176 |
| Extra claims (0 total, 0 independent) | $0 |
| Utility application subtotal | $400 |
| Issue fee, if granted | $258 |
| Maintenance at 3.5 years | $430 |
| Maintenance at 7.5 years | $808 |
| Maintenance at 11.5 years | $1,656 |
| Total over the life of the patent | $3,552 |
Assumes electronic filing and excludes the optional provisional. Other fees can apply, such as extensions and multiple dependent claims. Fees come from the USPTO fee schedule, last revised November 1, 2026. This is an estimate, not legal advice.
Common questions
- How much does it cost to file a patent with the USPTO?
- Filing a utility application electronically costs $2,000 in filing, search and examination fees, or $730 for small entities and $400 for micro entities. A provisional application costs $325, $130 or $65.
- Do these figures include attorney fees?
- No. This calculator covers USPTO fees only. Attorney fees are separate and often larger.
- How do I know if I qualify as a micro entity?
- Micro entity status depends on your income and how many earlier applications you've filed. Check the USPTO's requirements and file the certification before claiming it.
Ready to prepare your application? See how to draft a provisional or check your dates with the patent deadline calculator.