The patent cost should not outweigh the advantages gained
by registering it. It is thus vital that you select a lawyer
firm with the technical know-how and experience to process
the request on your behalf and thus save on expenses. This
will also ensure the success of the application. The lawyer
firm should be able to provide a schedule of expenses to
be expected, give a time table and assistance in the drafting
of the description.
You require the services of a firm that will take the time
to explain expenses and which will help to avoid unpleasant
surprises.
The total patent cost associated with the application and
its examination depends on several factors including:
Total number of assertions.
Type of invention.
Technological field.
Length of the submission.
Hourly fee of the lawyer.
Costs for the preparation of the drawings when applicable.
Time used for investigating the possibility of other
claims filed for the same or a similar invention.
If the application is filed at a foreign office,
the translation fees should also be kept in mind as well
as the total number of countries where the registration
is to be done.
Objections raised by other parties and the examiner.
Hidden expenses, such as telephone calls, travelling, copies,
faxes, and electronic communication, should also be kept
in mind. Before you decide to register the invention, speak
to a reputable lawyer who can explain how the total patent cost can be minimized.
Contact Smit & Van Wyk via their website, one of the leading intellectual
property lawyer firms in South Africa for assistance in
minimizing the total patent cost.
