China–US Patent Filing Cost Estimator
Choose a patent type and jurisdiction to get an itemized estimate of official and agent fees; the specifics are confirmed by a licensed attorney / agent.
From 20 July 2026: foreign applicants must use a US-registered practitioner
A USPTO final rule requires applicants and owners domiciled outside the US to be represented by a US-registered patent attorney or agent, covering utility, design, and all subsequent filings. Self-filing is no longer available.
Read the official USPTO rule →Instant cost estimate
Figures come from official fee schedules and market references — not a final quote.
Most small applicants qualify as a small entity (40% of official fees); micro-entity criteria are stricter.
The premium package provides deeper end-to-end support.
Official fees at a glance
Current USPTO schedule (effective 2025-01-19) and current CNIPA official fees.
US official fees (filing + issue, USD)
| Type | Large | Small | Micro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utility patent | $3,290 | $1,316 | $658 |
| Design patent | $2,600 | $1,040 | $520 |
Includes filing, search, examination, and issue fees; utility patents also require periodic maintenance fees.
China official fees (CNY)
| Type | Official fee |
|---|---|
| Invention | ¥3,400 |
| Utility model | ¥500 |
| Design | ¥500 |
Invention includes application and substantive examination fees; annual fees excluded. Eligible applicants may claim a fee reduction.
From invention to grant: key steps
Secrecy review
An invention or utility model completed in China usually requires a CNIPA foreign-filing secrecy review first; designs are exempt.
Filing route
The Paris route generally requires filing within 12 months of priority; the PCT route extends national-phase entry to 30 months, suiting multi-country plans.
How we work
AI handles the preliminary assessment and cost estimate; formal drafting, prosecution, and filing are handled and signed by a licensed attorney / US-registered practitioner.
FAQ
How much does a US patent cost?
The total is official fees plus agent service fees, varying by patent type, entity size, and claim count. Use the calculator above for an instant estimate; official fees follow the current USPTO schedule.
What is the 20 July 2026 rule — do I need a US practitioner?
A USPTO final rule requires applicants and owners domiciled outside the US to be represented by a US-registered patent attorney or agent, for filing and all subsequent papers. Applicants from China therefore must work through a US-registered practitioner.
Design vs. utility patents — which suits cross-border sellers?
A design patent protects a product's appearance, examines faster, and has no maintenance fees — common for e-commerce anti-copying; a utility patent protects the technical solution with stronger but slower, costlier protection. The choice depends on the product and can be combined.
What must I do before filing a China-made invention in the US?
An invention or utility model completed in China usually needs a CNIPA foreign-filing secrecy review first; filing abroad without it may affect the validity of the corresponding Chinese patent. Designs are exempt.
Paris Convention or PCT — how to choose?
For a few clearly-chosen countries, the Paris route (file within 12 months of priority) is more direct; for multi-country plans or when more time is needed, the PCT route (national-phase entry within 30 months) is more flexible.
What's included, and how do AI and the attorney split the work?
The platform uses AI for a preliminary assessment and cost estimate to help you gauge the right type and route; formal drafting, office-action responses, and filing are handled and signed by a licensed attorney / US-registered practitioner. Assessment results are informational only and are not legal advice or a promise of grant.
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