Understanding Patent Attorney Fees: Litigation & Prosecution Cost Breakdown

When navigating the complex world of intellectual property, engaging a patent attorney can make a crucial difference—especially during litigation and prosecution phases. One key consideration for clients is understanding the billing structure: patent attorneys commonly charge higher rates for litigation support and lower fees for patent prosecution.

In this article, we break down the total cost for a patent attorney who charges $350 per hour for litigation support and $225 per hour for patent prosecution, based on documented hours: 18 hours for litigation and 27 hours for prosecution. Additionally, we calculate the final cost after applying a standard 5% discount for early payment or volume agreements.

Understanding the Context


Hourly Rates Explained

  • Litigation Support: $350/hour
    This includes legal strategy, drafting pleadings, evidence preparation, expert coordination, and court representation in patent disputes, infringement cases, or infringement defenses.

  • Patent Prosecution: $225/hour
    This covers drafting and filing patent applications, responding to office actions, amendments, communications with the USPTO, and prosecution-related research.

Key Insights


Total Hourly Cost Calculation

  • Litigation: 18 hours × $350 = $6,300
  • Prosecution: 27 hours × $225 = $6,075

Total Before Discount:
$6,300 + $6,075 = $12,375


Final Thoughts

Applying the 5% Discount

A 5% discount reduces the total by:
$12,375 × 0.05 = $618.75

Final Amount Paid:
$12,375 – $618.75 = $11,756.25


Summary

For a client working with a patent attorney charging $350/hour for litigation support and $225/hour for patent prosecution—spending 18 hours on litigation and 27 hours on prosecution—the total fee before discount is $12,375. After applying a 5% discount, the client pays $11,756.25.

This cost structure reflects the specialized expertise and time-intensive nature of each service, emphasizing the value of skilled legal representation in protecting intellectual property rights.


Ready to file or defend your patent? Understanding these hourly rates and discounts empowers you to manage IP costs effectively.