There is no way to put an exact cost of legal help on filing for and getting a patent. Some larger companies spend tons of money on attorneys handling their patents for them. Other times individuals like you will do the entire thing for themselves with little to no legal help at all.

First, what many people do is to try and do everything themselves. We are not talking about large businesses; we are talking about small business owners or individuals. There are costs of a few hundred dollars to apply for one, but other than that you may be able to keep the costs very low.

Then there are law firms that will file and do everything for you for a set fee. These fees will vary based on the experience and type of patent you will file. Keep in mind to do your research before choosing anyone to represent you and your ideas.

Then you have the work by the hour firms. These types of situations can really cost you. Lawyers can cost anywhere from a few bucks an hour to hundreds of dollars an hour. So before you decide to go off and file a patent, be sure and do your research and know what areas of law help that you will or may need.