Who limited-scope services are for
- DIY inventors who drafted their own application and want a professional review before filing
- Startups on a budget who need one filing done right, not an ongoing engagement
- Companies with in-house teams who need a registered practitioner for a specific filing
- Applicants with a single urgent deadline who need help fast
Limited-scope services we offer
| Service | What you get | Flat fee |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-filing application review (provisional) | A practitioner review of your self-drafted provisional, with written comments on claims, drawings, and gaps | From $600 |
| Pre-filing application review (non-provisional) | A practitioner review of your self-drafted non-provisional, with written comments on claims, drawings, and gaps | From $1,000 |
| Filing your prepared provisional application | Formalities review, Application Data Sheet, and filing with the USPTO | From $600 + USPTO fees |
| Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) | Preparing and filing an IDS citing the references you're aware of | From $200 |
| Response to a formal notice | Handling a Notice to File Missing Parts, Notice of Incomplete Application, or similar | From $200 |
| Petition to revive | Reviving an application abandoned unintentionally | From $200 + USPTO fees |
| Assignment recording | Preparing and recording ownership transfers with the USPTO | $200 |
How limited scope works
- Free consultation. Tell us what you need, and we confirm it's a good fit for limited scope.
- Written scope agreement. You get a short engagement letter that spells out exactly what we will and won't do, plus the flat fee.
- We complete the task. You approve before anything is filed.
- You're back in control. Once the task is done, our engagement ends unless you choose to continue.
USPTO rules allow a practitioner to limit the scope of representation when the limit is reasonable and the client gives informed consent. We'll always tell you if a task can't safely be done on a limited basis.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hire a patent agent for just one filing?
Yes. Limited-scope engagements cover a single defined task at a flat fee, with no ongoing commitment.
Will you review a patent application I wrote myself?
Yes. A pre-filing review catches common problems, such as claims that are too narrow or descriptions that don't support the claims, before they become permanent.
I live outside the U.S. Can I use limited-scope services?
Yes, but USPTO rules require foreign-domiciled applicants to be represented by a registered practitioner for most filings. See our Foreign Applicants page for how we handle that.
What if I need more help later?
Any additional help can also be done under a limited-scope agreement. You can also upgrade to full representation at any time.
Need help with one filing? Book a free consultation and tell us what you need.