Via TechCrunch:
…the time from filing a non-provisional utility application to final disposition of the application is typically 3-4 years using the standard examination process with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). With this process, the standard USPTO application fees apply, which may include, but are not limited to, the filing fee, search fee, examination fee, and processing fee. Three to four years is a long time in “startup years.” There are a multitude of startup strategies, but generally obtaining patent protection sooner rather than later is preferential.
Points:
- Strategy options:
- “Licensing/Sale. This scenario often arises when an inventor chooses not to pursue a startup company full-time but still wants to profit from the idea.”
- “Commercialize. A second scenario arises when an inventor wants to directly commercialize the invention.”
- Application options:
- “Track One Prioritized Examination. The USPTO established the Track One procedure in 2011 to provide a final disposition (allowance or final rejection) within 12 months on average for all applications submitted under this process.”
- “Accelerated Examination...Similar to the Track One procedure, the USPTO’s goal is to provide a final disposition (allowance or final rejection) within 12 months on average for all applications submitted under the Accelerated Examination process.”
