Free founder planning tool
Build Your Patent Roadmap
See how a patent filing path could unfold over time, from a first filing through examination, continuations, and foreign filings, and model your own cost assumptions. No confidential invention details needed.
Build a sample roadmap ↓Illustrative filing timeline
A product with improvements
Timing shown is a typical planning milestone, measured from the earliest relevant filing. It is not a calculated deadline: actual dates depend on the filings made, priority claims, the jurisdictions involved, and any restoration provisions.
Learn more: The U.S. Patent Process, Step by Step · What Is a Patent Family? · Should You File Before a Demo, Launch, or Talk?
Questions worth discussing
Planning calculator
Model the cost of this path
Enter your own estimates for the steps in the timeline above, for example from quotes you have received. Nothing is pre-filled: costs vary widely with the technology, the scope of the work, the provider, and how examination goes. The calculator excludes appeals, post-grant proceedings, litigation, and other expenses. All figures are in USD.
Assumptions: one examination budget per U.S. application, one later-fee reserve per U.S. application as if each issued, and no discounting or inflation. Issuance is not predicted or guaranteed. Subtotals include only the figures you enter; steps without figures are listed as missing, not counted as zero.
Your founder planning report
Your selections and cost assumptions stay in this browser. No account, email address, or invention details are needed. Print or save the report as a PDF using your browser, or copy a link that reproduces your choices.
Educational scenario planning only. Not legal advice, a deadline service, a cost quote, or a prediction of patent rights. Using this tool does not create an attorney–client relationship.
Have a real invention or an existing application?
PatentDrafters works with founders and growing companies on technical patent applications. An initial consultation can cover general goals, timelines, and whether an engagement makes sense.
Book a no-charge consultationThe initial consultation is at no charge. Please do not submit confidential invention details before conflicts and an engagement have been addressed.