Utility Patent in USA

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Patent Registration
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Standard

$449

Pay as you go

Features Included

  • Provisional patent filling
  • Non- provisional filling
  • Refusal Risk Assessment
  • Patent filling with USPTO
  • e-receipt

Premium

$850

All in One

Features Included

  • All Standard Features &
  • Provisional patent drafting
  • Patent search
  • USA database search

Professional

$4000

Full Assurance + Extras

Features Included

  • All Premiun Features &
  • Global search
  • Non-provisional patent drafting
  • 7 sides complex drawings
  • Response to normal office action

Steps for Utility Patent Registration in USA

01

Comprehensive Search

Conduct a detailed patent search through the USPTO database to ensure your invention is novel and non-obvious.

02

Preparation of Draft

Draft a comprehensive utility patent application including claims, abstract, background, and detailed description.

03

Preparation of Drawings

Include precise technical drawings (if required) to illustrate the invention’s structure or function clearly.

04

Filing of Application

Submit your utility patent application with the USPTO online, choosing provisional or non-provisional filing.

05

Preliminary Examination

The USPTO performs an initial formal review to confirm application completeness before detailed review.

06

Response to Examination Report

Respond to any objections or rejections issued by the examiner with legal arguments or claim amendments.

07

Notice of Allowance

Once approved, the USPTO issues a Notice of Allowance requiring final issue fee payment for registration.

08

Issuance of Registration Certificate

After payment, a formal utility patent certificate is issued, granting exclusive rights for up to 20 years.

09

Maintenance Fees

Pay maintenance fees at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years to keep your utility patent active and enforceable.

A Utility Patent offers legal protection for new and useful inventions, processes, machines, or compositions of matter in the United States.

The typical registration process takes between 1 to 3 years depending on complexity, accuracy, and USPTO backlog. Timely responses to office actions and proper filing can help expedite the process.

Our team provides end-to-end patent support — from search and drafting to examination and ongoing maintenance — ensuring your invention remains protected.

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Utility Patent Registration in the USA Start Smart, Stay Protected

A utility patent protects the functional aspects of inventions — such as processes, machines, manufactured articles, or compositions of matter. In the United States, these patents are registered with the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office). Below are the most commonly asked questions related to utility patent registration in the U.S.

✅ Frequently Asked Questions

What is a utility patent?

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A utility patent protects new and useful inventions or functional improvements of existing products. This includes processes, machines, tools, chemical compositions, and manufactured items.

How long does a utility patent last in the U.S.?

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A U.S. utility patent is valid for 20 years from the filing date, provided that maintenance fees are paid on time.

What are the key requirements for a utility patent?

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To be eligible for a utility patent, your invention must be:

• Novel (new and not publicly known)
• Useful (has practical application)
• Non-obvious (not an obvious improvement to someone skilled in the field)

What documents are needed to file a utility patent application?

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A complete utility patent application typically includes:

• Specification (detailed description of the invention)
• Claims (define legal scope)
• Abstract
• Drawings (if required)
• Inventor’s oath or declaration
• Filing, search, and examination fee payment

What is the difference between a provisional and a non-provisional patent application?

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• A provisional patent is a temporary application that secures a filing date but is not examined. It lasts for 12 months and must be followed by a non-provisional application.
• A non-provisional patent is the formal application that starts the examination process and can result in a granted patent.

Can I file a utility patent application online?

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Yes. The USPTO provides an online portal called Patent Center where you can electronically file utility patent applications.

How long does the patent examination process take?

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The average time to receive a first office action is 18–24 months, and the entire process can take 2–3 years depending on complexity, backlog, and whether expedited processing is requested.

What are the maintenance fees for a U.S. utility patent?

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Maintenance fees must be paid at:

• 3.5 years
• 7.5 years
• 11.5 years

from the date of patent issuance. Failure to pay on time may result in patent expiration.

Can a foreign applicant file a utility patent in the U.S.?

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Yes, foreign applicants can file a U.S. patent application. However, they must be represented by a registered U.S. patent attorney or agent before the USPTO.

What is the cost of filing a utility patent in the U.S.?

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Costs vary based on entity status (micro, small, or large entity) and attorney fees. As of 2025:

• Filing fee: ~$75–$320
• Search and Examination fees: ~$220–$760
• Attorney fees (optional): $5,000–$15,000 (depending on complexity)

Can I expedite the examination of a utility patent application?

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Yes, you can request Track One Prioritized Examination, which aims to reach final disposition within 12 months. An additional fee is required for this service.

How do I respond to an office action?

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If the USPTO examiner raises objections or rejections, you must submit a timely response (usually within 3 months, extendable up to 6 months) with legal arguments and/or amendments.

What happens after the patent is granted?

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Once granted, you receive a patent certificate, and your invention is protected for 20 years from the filing date. Maintenance fees and ongoing monitoring are required to maintain rights.

What is a continuation or divisional patent application?

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These are follow-up applications based on the same initial (parent) application, used to pursue additional claims or separate inventions disclosed in the original filing.

Does a U.S. patent protect me internationally?

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No. A U.S. utility patent only protects your invention within the United States. For international protection, you must file in other countries individually or through the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty).

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