Cost of Obtaining an Australian Patent

Securing a patent, particularly in Australia, involves several stages with associated costs. Here’s an overview of the expenses you can expect:

Step 1 – Australian Provisional Patent Application:

Initiating the patent journey often begins with an Australian provisional patent application, which typically ranges from $4,000 to $9,000 + GST. This serves as a recommended initial step for patenting in Australia and internationally.

Step 2 – Australian Non-Provisional Patent Application:

Within 12 months of filing the provisional application, you must submit an Australian non-provisional patent application, usually costing around $3,000 + GST.

Step 3 – Examination Phase:

The examination phase commences approximately two to three years after the non-provisional filing. This stage may cost between $2,500 + GST and $10,000 + GST. The cost varies based on patent examiner objections and your chosen response strategy. These expenses typically span about 18 months.

Step 4 – Annual Renewal Fees:

Starting from the fourth anniversary of the non-provisional filing, annual renewal fees come into play. These fees range from about $600 to approximately $3,000 per year.

It’s important to note that these figures encompass all costs, including those associated with Patent Attorney Services and the fees charged by the Australian Patent Office. Additionally, the $3,000 + GST cost for Step 2 includes allowances for formal drawings, while the range of $2,500 + GST to $10,000 + GST in Step 3 accounts for activities such as requesting examination, processing acceptance, and grant, with these costs typically spread over 18 months. The final price depends on the complexity of patent examiner objections and your chosen approach, potentially escalating if significant objections require extensive argumentation.

Rest assured, there are no hidden costs in this comprehensive breakdown of the patenting process. A Patent Pending Australian service is dedicated to providing transparent information to guide you through the patent application journey. When you’re ready to explore further, please get in touch with our Patent Agency to initiate the conversation.