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Start Protecting Your
Ideas with a Patent

Reduced Pricing Available

Reduced pricing available with discount codes. Find out if you qualify!

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Start Protecting Your Ideas Today!

Provisional Patent Application

$1,575

Start Today!

Includes:

  • Professional review and preparation
  • Illustration formatting on client provided illustrations
  • Docketing and reminder for future deadlines
  • 30-minute attorney or patent agent consultation
See details

Design Patent Application

$1,575

Start Today!

Includes:

  • Professional review and preparation
  • Technical illustration
  • Electronic filing of your application
  • 30-minute attorney or patent agent consultation
See details

Nonprovisional Utility Patent Application

$3,898

Start Today!

Includes:

  • Patent drawing drafted by a professional (up to 4 pages)
  • Professional preparation and drafting of patent application which includes 10 claims, up to 3 independent claims, and 5 pages of specifications
  • Preparation of an Information Disclosure Statement
  • Electronic filing of your patent application with the USPTO
  • 30-minute attorney or patent agent consultation
See details

Protect Your Ideas With A Patent

Get big law firm knowhow with the focused attention of a small firm. Our specialized patent filing and prosecution services are designed especially for independent inventors and small businesses.


Find out how we can help you transform your ideas into valuable assets.

Every Day…We Help Everyday People.

Ready to protect
 your ideas?

Move forward with your Patent Application today:
Get Started
Obtaining my first patent with Mr. Finnegan at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig was an outstanding experience…Proud patent owner now, thankful for such an awesome experience and can't wait for the next one with their services.
Tyler G.
DBL helped me to navigate through the patent process, from initial draft through patent approval… The firm continues to help me with the additional maintenance processes now that I have the patent approved.
Todd G.
Kevin was great to talk to. He made the process of the patent clear and understandable. He offered his services so that we are able to make an informed decision. I would work with him again!
Kathaleen
I was set at ease when talking to an earlier assistant and again when talking to one of the lawyers. Having lost patents to big companies in the past, I feel I am in good hands here.
Gary S.
Whether you're looking for sound legal counsel on equity sharing plans as a startup, contract formulation and review, fundraising documents, patent prosecution or any other legal matter, THEY are your Go-To team!
PLURIBUS Inc.

Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig is top rated on Google.

4.6

Why do you need a patent?

Patents protect your ideas and can help you unlock valuable opportunities in the market. Here are just a few of the reasons to consider obtaining a patent:

Opening New Revenue Streams

With a patent, you can license or sell your invention to others, enabling you to leverage new streams of income through royalties or sales of your patent rights.

Attracting Investor and Licensing Interest

Attract licensing interest and do technology transfer that would otherwise be impossible or unlikely without a patent or patent application under your belt.

Preventing
Theft

Protect your invention from being stolen and exploited without your consent. A patent grants you exclusive rights to your invention, allowing you to control how it’s made, used, sold, or imported. If someone infringes on your patent, you can seek damages or injunctions.

Obtaining A Market Advantage

Patent protection establishes you as a market leader and deters competitors from copying or imitating your invention. Secure rights that can unleash your power to de-list copycats on Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and other platforms.

Frequently ASked Questions

What is the process for filing a patent?
The process involves several key steps:
  • a. You provide detailed information about your invention to an experienced patent attorney or agent.
  • b. The attorney or agent conducts a thorough search (if ordered) to assess the novelty and patentability of your invention.
  • c. The attorney or agent drafts a patent application tailored to your invention, almost always after a professional draftsperson creates patent illustrations.
  • d. The attorney or agent files the completed patent application with the relevant patent office.
  • e. The patent office examines your application, and your attorney or agent addresses any objections or rejections.
  • f.  If your application is approved, your invention receives patent protection.
There are three primary types of patents:
  • a. Utility: Protects the structural or functional aspects of an invention, such as processes, machines, or compositions of matter
  • b. Design: Protects the ornamental design or appearance of an invention
  • c. Provisional Application: Establishes an early filing date and provides a placeholder for one year for a future utility patent application
If your invention is still in progress but you want to safeguard it against competitors, filing a provisional patent application might be appropriate. This secures your priority date with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for up to one year if certain statutory requirements are met, potentially preventing others from claiming rights to your invention by filing before you do.
Every application is different, but you should start gathering this information:
  • a. The title of your invention
  • b. A summary of what your invention does and how it works
  • c. The names and addresses of all inventors
  • d. A mailing address for all correspondence
  • e. Drawings of your invention, if available
The timeline for obtaining a patent can vary but typically ranges from 1 to 3 years or longer. Factors affecting the timeline include the complexity of the invention, backlog at the patent office, and any challenges encountered during prosecution. Consult with your attorney or agent for potential ways to accelerate examination, some involving paying a large extra government fee.
To qualify for a patent, in general, an invention must be novel, or different from existing inventions or prior disclosures; non-obvious, which means it cannot have been obvious to someone skilled in the relevant field; and useful, which means it must have a practical use or offer a beneficial result. Your patent application must contain a clear and detailed description of the invention, enabling someone skilled in the field to understand and replicate it.
It’s possible to file a patent application without an attorney. However, working with a qualified patent attorney or agent offers many advantages. An attorney or agent can provide valuable expertise, navigate legal complexities, and maximize the chances of obtaining a granted patent.
Yes, owning a patent grants you exclusive rights to your invention, and includes the ability to license or sell it to others.
After a patent is granted, you have the right to exclude third parties from making, using, selling, importing, or offering to sell the patented invention for the patent’s term (typically 20 years from the filing date). In the United States, maintenance fees must be paid to keep a utility patent in force at the 3.5, 7.5 and 11.5 year points after issuance.

What type of Patent do You Need?

Deciding on the appropriate type of patent depends on the nature and purpose of your invention and your goals. Our experienced patent attorneys and agents can help you navigate the complexities of patent law and determine the best patent strategy for you.

Provisional Patent Application

  • Secure an early filing date
  • “Patent Pending” for one year after filing
  • Refine IP before full patent
A provisional patent application serves as a one-year placeholder filing that establishes an early priority date for your invention. It does not mature into a granted patent on its own but allows you to disclose and further develop your invention while deciding whether to pursue a nonprovisional (utility) patent.
Key benefits of provisional patent applications:
  • Secure an early filing date, providing protection while you refine your invention
  • Allow you to use the term “patent pending” after filing, signaling your intent to seek patent protection
  • Give you time to refine your invention before deciding on full patent protection

Design Patent

  • Safeguard your unique visual design or aesthetic
  • Design is protected 15 years from the grant date
Design patents focus on the unique visual aspects of an invention rather than its functionality. They protect the ornamental or aesthetic appearance of an invention, including its shape, configuration, surface ornamentation, and overall visual design.
  • Safeguard the unique visual design or aesthetic features of your invention
  • Protect your design from unauthorized use or imitation for 15 years from the grant date

Utility Patent

  • Exclusive rights to stop others from making, using, selling, importing invention
  • ~20 years of protection after filing date
Utility patents are the most common type of patent. They protect the structural and functional aspects of an invention, including its processes, machines/devices/apparatuses, compositions of matter, or improvements thereof.
Key benefits of utility patents:
  • Cover the structural or functional aspects and methods of your invention, giving you exclusive rights to stop others from making, using, selling, importing it
  • Give you typically 20 years of protection from the filing date, allowing you to commercialize and profit from your invention

Curated Patent Resources

for Small Businesses and Inventors

Articles & Tip Sheets

Discover the essential tools to transform your innovative ideas into successful inventions.

Learn more

Webinars

Discover the essential tools to transform your innovative ideas into successful inventions.

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Disclaimers
  • In the context of patents, the term "professionals" refers to both patent lawyers and patent agents. While both patent lawyers and patent agents are authorized to represent clients before the patent office and assist with patent-related matters, there are distinctions between the two roles.
  • All professional consultations provided by Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig are subject to terms and conditions, including limitations on consultation time and application size.
  • While Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig strives to provide the highest quality representation and assistance in patent matters, it is important to note that securing a patent is not guaranteed. The outcome of a patent application is subject to various factors, including the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention, the thoroughness of the application, and the review process conducted by the relevant patent office.

Click here to view our patent pricing sheet

We created the Small Business & Inventor HUB to provide straightforward legal solutions with transparent pricing that eliminates uncertainty. Eligible clients that qualify can apply discount codes to further reduce costs. See below for options that may apply to you.

Eligibility Criteria: Discount Codes
Are you a new client to Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig? If yes, then please enjoy 15% off. NEWCLIENT15
Are you a Small Business with less than $1M in revenue? If yes, then please enjoy 10% off. SMALLBIZ10
Are you both a new client and small business with less than $1M in revenue? If yes, then please enjoy 25% off. DOUBLE25

Disclaimers:

  • Discount codes cannot be stacked with other offers
  • Discounts are only on legal fees
Provisional Patent Application Pricing Includes: $1,575
+ filing fees
30- minute attorney or patent agent consultation
Professional review and preparation
Illustration formatting on client provided illustrations
Docketing and reminders for future deadlines
U.S. prior art search $630

*See form for additional add-ons

Design Patent Application Pricing Includes: $1,575
+ filing fees
30- minute attorney or patent agent consultation
Professional preparation and drafting of patent application
Technical illustrations from up to seven different viewpoints including front, back, left, right, top , bottom and 3-sided perspective
Electronic filing of your patent application with the USPTO
U.S. prior art search $370

*See form for additional add-ons

Phase 1

Utility Patent Application Pricing Includes: $699
30- minute attorney or patent agent consultation
Professional illustrations (up to 4 pages)
U.S. prior art search $630

Phase 2

Utility Patent Application Pricing Includes: $3,199 + filing fees
30- minute attorney or patent agent consultation
Professional preparation and drafting of patent application which includes 10 claims, up to 3 independent claims, and 5 pages of specifications
Technical Preparation of an Information Disclosure Statement
Electronic filing of your patent application with the USPTO

*See form for additional add-ons

How to get started

1. Reach out

Fill out the form by clicking the button below. This gives us the basic information we need to understand your invention.

STart Your Provisional Patent Application
Start Your Utility Patent
Start Your Design Patent
2. We'll Contact You

One of our patent attorneys will contact you by phone to discuss the process and the right kind of protection for your invention: provisional patent, utility patent, or desgin patent.

3. Let's file your paperwork

We'll help you prepare the documents you need to support your patent application, which may include the following services:

  • Conducting a patent search for similar inventions
  • Preparing technical drawings
  • Completing your patent application
  • Filling your application with the U.S Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

Intern Program

As part of our effort to recruit, develop and retail the best and brightest attorneys, Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig offers a summer intern program for promising law school students who are looking to work as part of an innovative and incredibly successful team. With a global team of lawyers, selected candidates are able to work on high level projects in a collaborative space.

Paralegals and Legal Support Staff

At Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, our team of paralegals and staff work together collaboratively along side our attorneys toward a common goal. We have created a positive work environment where our paralegals and legal assistants work to successfully reach firm-wide goals and support each other to combine individual strengths to enhance team performance. They regularly assist our attorneys with organizing and maintaining files, conducting legal research, and preparing documents.