Filing a utility patent costs $400 to $2,000 in USPTO fees
A utility patent application needs three USPTO fees at filing: the filing fee, the search fee and the examination fee. Together they are $2,000 at the regular rate, $730 for a small entity filing online, and $400 for a micro entity. If the patent is allowed, the issue fee adds $1,290, $516 or $258.
Utility patent fees (regular / small / micro)
| Basic filing fee | $350 regular / $140 small / $70 micro |
|---|---|
| Basic filing fee, small entity filing online | $70 |
| Search fee | $770 regular / $308 small / $154 micro |
| Examination fee | $880 regular / $352 small / $176 micro |
| Issue fee (if allowed) | $1,290 regular / $516 small / $258 micro |
| Each independent claim over 3 | $600 regular / $240 small / $120 micro |
| Each claim over 20 | $200 regular / $80 small / $40 micro |
| Multiple dependent claim | $925 regular / $370 small / $185 micro |
| Non-DOCX filing surcharge | $430 regular / $172 small / $86 micro |
| Paper filing fee (on top of the others) | $400 regular / $200 small / $200 micro |
| Each extra 50 sheets over 100 | $450 regular / $180 small / $90 micro |
| Filing, search and exam, regular | $2,000 |
|---|---|
| Filing, search and exam, small entity online | $730 |
| Filing, search and exam, micro entity | $400 |
| Through issue, regular | $3,290 |
| Through issue, small entity online | $1,246 |
| Through issue, micro entity | $658 |
Filing online in Patent Center avoids the paper fee. Filing in DOCX format avoids the non-DOCX surcharge. Maintenance fees come later, after the patent is granted. Source: USPTO fee schedule, effective January 19, 2025, last revised August 14, 2026.
What this price covers
These are government fees only. Most people also pay a patent attorney or agent to write and file the application, and that usually costs far more than the fees. There may also be later fees to respond to the examiner.
What changes your price
- Your fee level. Small entities pay 40 percent of the regular fee and micro entities pay 20 percent, if they qualify.
- Number of claims. Over 3 independent or 20 total claims adds fees.
- File format. Non-DOCX files add $86 to $430.
- Paper or online. Paper adds $200 to $400.
- Length. Every 50 sheets over 100 adds a size fee.
Ways to pay less
- File online in DOCX format to skip two surcharges.
- Keep to 3 independent claims and 20 total claims unless you really need more.
- Check if you qualify as a small or micro entity. It cuts fees by 60 to 80 percent.
How we got these numbers
Every fee on this page comes from the USPTO fee schedule. Each fee has three levels: the regular fee, the small entity fee and the micro entity fee. Small and micro entity status have their own rules, set out in 37 CFR 1.27 and 1.29. The USPTO says a false small or micro entity claim can bring a penalty of at least three times the fee that was not paid. Where we show a total, we only add up the USPTO's own fees. We do not add our own guesses, and patent attorney or agent fees are not included. We last checked the schedule on September 26, 2026.
Common questions
How much does a patent cost?
USPTO fees to file a utility patent are $2,000 regular, $730 small entity online, or $400 micro entity.
What is the patent issue fee?
$1,290 regular, $516 small, $258 micro.
Do these include a lawyer?
No. They are USPTO fees only.