Spend it wisely. If on the other hand, you are an independent inventor with a mechanical patent, perhaps for a new widget, your legal fees may be significantly less. This is primarily based on the relative complexity of writing claims and searching for prior art on a mechanical invention. This topic is discussed in detail in the International Patents section .
Many smaller entities start the patent process with a provisional application.
It also may postpone the bulk of the legal expenses as well, as the claims and prior art search don't need to be entirely completed before this application is submitted. There are many fine nuances to taking advantage of this application, and should not be considered a simple decision. These costs and benefits are fully analyzed in the provisional application discussion. They can be paid any time 6 months before the due date, and then can be paid 6 months after the due date, with a surcharge. Those who don't pay maintenance within the 6 month grace period will face probable patent expiration.