[jmatthew3]

Disclaimer: I am a former software engineer, now a patent attorney. But, I am not your lawyer, nor am I the lawyer for anyone who reads this. (Sorry, I have to say that).

Anyway, the USPTO has had 50% lowered fees for "small entities" for some time now. The patent office will soon add a new "micro entity" classification (paying 75% of fees) that might help individuals without a lot of money. The total filing cost as a micro entity will be just over 300 bucks. That's pretty reasonable considering the work involved in examining a patent application.

[rogueriver]

Thanks! I do think they could lower fees for individuals, but put a limit on the number of patents, or Trademarks a person could file--maybe just one at the reduced fee?

Corporations and LLC's would not get the discount.

I don't think their would be a rush of individual inventors overloading the department with frivilious, Nolo Press enabled patent requests.

Plus, if that became reality; they could drop the program.

If anyone reads this, avoid any patent service that advertises on t.v.. Research your patient before you hire a attorney, or DIY.

My main gripe was with the Tradmark fees. I don't remember the fee, but even if it was $300.00--that's still too high--especially for a www.mywebsite567.whatever?

I personally think the larger the company, the higher the fee. Didn't Apple try to patent rounded edges?

Anyway--I appreciate micro entity reduced fee info.