Protect your work from competitors

You're an inventor. An innovator. And you've created something special. Your next smart move? Protect your work. Whether you need a utility patent for an invention, or a design patent for a product design, we can help. Not quite ready for a utility patent? We can help you file a provisional patent application so you're protected while you perfect your invention.

Protecting your work starts at only $199 + filing fees.

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We've brought inventors to patent pending status over 60,000 times.

3 ways to protect your work

Provisional patent application Starts at $199 + filing fees

Take the time you need to perfect your invention while averting competitors with patent pending status.

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Get started

Utility patent

Step 1 starts at $699

Keep competitors from making, using, or selling your invention without permission.

Design patent

Starts at $999
+ federal filing fees

Protect your product design from competitors who want to copy and sell your unique creation.

Want professional illustrations of your invention for a utility patent application?
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Frequently asked questions

  1. A utility patent protects an invention. A design patent protects a product's design. The utility patent protects how the invention works. The design patent protects how it looks. If the design and function are both unique, and the design doesn't affect function, your invention may qualify for both.
  2. If you're not done perfecting your invention but want to protect it from competitors, you should file a provisional patent application. This essentially holds your place in line with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office for up to one year, ensuring no one else gets the rights to your invention by filing before you.
  3. We're here to walk you through the process, so we'll let you know what's needed for your application as we move along.

    Some of the information we'll need includes:
    • Invention title
    • Inventors' names and addresses
    • Address for correspondence
    • Summary of what your invention does
    • Detailed description of and how your invention works
    • Background information about your invention
    • Drawings of your invention (highly recommended, but optional)
    • U.S. government interest or ownership information (if applicable)
  4. You have one year from the date your provisional patent was filed to file your patent. Please note you cannot extend this deadline or file another provisional application for the same invention.
  5. No, they're for utility patents only.

Why choose us

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Helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses over 4 million times.

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Providing access to our independent network of attorneys over 650,000 times.

65,000+

provisional applications

Helping inventors file over 65,000 provisional patent applications.

LegalZoom is an excellent service. They are very organized and meticulous. They keep you informed as your project moves along and answer any questions you may have. I have a lot of work in the pipeline, and LegalZoom will get it all.

Chris H.

Whitestone, NY
This is my third patent filing using LegalZoom, and they make the process easy and understandable. I cannot recommend them more.

Sharon L.

Wauconda, IL
It was a fast, easy to use and understand process, especially for someone like me, who is completely new to this type of thing.

Joanne L.

North Bergen, NJ

Questions?

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Call an agent at (866) 738-1730 (866) 738-1730

Mon-Fri: 5 a.m.-7 p.m. PT
Weekends: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. PT

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