Patent Applications

When filing a non-provisional patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), you must include the following items to ensure the application is complete and accorded a filing date:

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✅ Required Components of a Non-Provisional Patent Application

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1. Utility Patent Application Transmittal Form (Form PTO/AIA/15)

   • A cover sheet that identifies what is being submitted and to whom it is assigned.

   • Not mandatory but highly recommended.

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2. Fee Transmittal Form (Form PTO/AIA/17)

   • To identify and submit the appropriate filing, search, and examination fees.

   • Fees must be paid at time of filing or shortly thereafter.

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3. Application Data Sheet (ADS) (Form PTO/AIA/14)

4. •  

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     Provides bibliographic data including:

     • Applicant/inventor info

     • Correspondence address

     • Domestic benefit/foreign priority claims

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5. Specification (35 U.S.C. § 112)

   Must include:

   • Title of the Invention

   • Field of the Invention

   • Cross-Reference to Related Applications (if applicable)

   • Background of the Invention

   • Summary of the Invention

   • Brief Description of the Drawings (if any)

   • Detailed Description of the Invention

   • Abstract (≤150 words)

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6. Claims (at least one claim is required)

   • Clearly defines the invention and the scope of legal protection sought.

   • Must begin on a separate sheet and be numbered consecutively.

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7. Drawings (if necessary to understand the invention)

   • Required where essential for understanding the invention.

   • Must follow strict USPTO formatting guidelines (e.g., black ink, margins, reference characters).

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8. Inventor’s Oath or Declaration (Form PTO/AIA/01 or AIA/08)

   • Each inventor must declare:

     • They are the original inventor.

     • They have reviewed and understand the application.

     • They acknowledge the duty to disclose relevant information.

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9. Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) (optional but recommended)

   • Lists prior art references known to the applicant that may be material to patentability.

   • Submit early to avoid later complications.

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⚖️ Optional or Situational Components

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• Power of Attorney (if an attorney or agent is representing you)

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• Assignment document (if rights are transferred)

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• Petitions (e.g., for expedited examination under Track One)

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• Color Drawings Petition (if you must include color illustrations)

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• Small or Micro Entity Certification (to qualify for reduced fees)

💵 Typical USPTO Fees (as of 2025)

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Fee Type                   Large Entity   Small Entity    Micro Entity

Filing Fee                       $320                     $60                    $80

Search Fee                   $700                     $350                 $175

Examination Fee        $800                     $400                 $200

Total                              $1,820                    $910                 $455

(Fees vary depending on claim count and excess pages.)