LegalZoom Launches Patent Filing Services

LegalZoom launched provisional patent filing services through its Arizona law firm, offering packages starting at $299 versus the $5,500+ charged by traditional firms.

Patent protection demand has reached record highs, with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granting 368,597 patents in the 12 months ending November 2024—a 5.7% increase. High costs and complex processes have prevented many inventors and startups from securing patent-pending status, which investors often require before funding.

Dramatic Cost Reduction

LegalZoom's new offering addresses a significant pricing barrier in patent filing. Traditional offline law firms charge an average of $5,500 or more for provisional patent applications. LegalZoom's basic self-guided package costs $299, while premium attorney-assisted services start at $999.

The company operates these services through LZ Legal Services, its Arizona-based law firm. Arizona's liberalized legal market allows alternative legal service providers to compete directly with traditional law firms.

USPTO-Registered Attorneys Back New Service

"We aim to make it as easy and affordable for inventors and businesses to take the critical step of protecting their intellectual property, with the guidance of LZ Legal Services' experienced lawyers at their side," said Nicole Miller, Chief Legal Officer at LegalZoom.