What it is
A non-provisional patent application is the full filing that the USPTO actually examines. It includes a detailed written specification, formal drawings, and a set of patent claims that legally define what your invention covers. If granted, it issues as a U.S. utility patent and gives you the right to exclude others from making, using, selling, or importing the claimed invention for up to 20 years from the non-provisional filing date.
This is the heaviest lift in the patent process. The quality of the drafting (especially the claims) determines how broadly or narrowly your patent protects you. Every application is drafted by Lauren herself, drawing on 10+ years of patent experience. Your claims are written by the person you hired, start to finish.
What's included
- Detailed specification with full enabling disclosure
- Independent and dependent claims drafted to maximize coverage
- Formal drawings prepared to USPTO standards
- USPTO electronic filing and confirmation
- Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) preparation if prior art was searched
- USPTO correspondence handling
- Issue fee handling and patent grant
- Direct one-on-one access to Lauren throughout the process
Who it's for
- Inventors with a finalized invention ready for full IP protection
- Companies bringing a novel product to market
- Founders with a 12-month provisional that's nearing expiration
- Anyone who needs an enforceable, granted US patent
Process and Timeline
- Free consultationYou describe the invention and the protection goals, we discuss strategy and confirm a flat fee.
- Disclosure intakeYou provide the most complete description you can: written notes, drawings, prototypes, photos, prior art known to you.
- DraftingLauren drafts the specification and claims. This is the slowest phase (4 to 6 weeks) and the most consequential.
- Review and revisionYou review the draft. Two rounds of substantive revision are included.
- USPTO filingWe file electronically and send you the confirmation receipt and application number.
- ProsecutionThe USPTO examines the application. When the examiner issues an Office Action, we draft and file the response. Most applications go through one or two rounds. Please note that this is a separate fee, quoted based on complexity of the Office Action.
- IssuanceIf allowed, the application issues as a US utility patent. We handle the issue fee filing and you receive the granted patent.
Pricing
Non-Provisional Application
Flat fee for the full drafting and filing phase. Office Action responses during prosecution are billed at known rates, so there are no surprise invoices.
- Detailed review and IP strategy session
- Full specification meeting USPTO standards
- Carefully drafted independent and dependent claims
- 5 professional patent drawings included
- USPTO electronic filing and confirmation
- Filing forms, paperwork, and patent-pending receipt
- Ongoing support for post-filing questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until my patent issues?
Currently, time from filing to final disposition (issued as a patent or abandoned) is 28.4 months. See here for current timelines: uspto.gov/dashboard/patents. If speed matters, prioritized examination (Track One) is available for an additional USPTO fee and can cut the timeline roughly in half.
What if the USPTO rejects my application?
Don't panic. Rejections (Office Actions) are normal, around 90% of applications are rejected in the first action. We respond by amending claims, distinguishing the cited references, or arguing the merits, depending on the specific rejection.
Should I file a provisional first?
This depends entirely on your situation. For example, is your invention still evolving? Do you want to lock in a priority date while raising capital? Then the answer is usually yes. The provisional gives you 12 months to decide whether the non-provisional is worth the investment. We can discuss what fits your situation in the consultation.
Do I need to file in other countries too?
It depends on where you plan to do business and the strategic value of foreign rights. If international protection is relevant, we can discuss this in your consultation.
What happens after my patent issues?
You have an enforceable US patent for up to 20 years from filing. Maintenance fees are due at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years to keep it in force.
Can the same person who drafts my patent also handle prosecution?
Yes, that's the model. Lauren drafts the application AND handles the prosecution, so the person who understands the invention's nuances is the same person responding to the examiner.