Wondering how much it costs to register a patent in India or internationally? This detailed blog breaks down the patent registration cost for Indian applicants—covering fees for filing in India, PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) applications, and Convention applications. Learn about official fees, attorney charges, and cost-saving tips for startups, individuals, and enterprises. Get clarity on timelines, stages of payment, and budgeting for national and global patent protection.

Patent Costs Matter More Than You Think

Filing a patent is a smart investment, but inventors often ask:

How much does it really cost to register a patent in India and abroad?”.

Whether you’re filing in India, using the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), or opting for a Convention application under the Paris Convention, each route has different cost structures, deadlines, and strategies.

This guide breaks down all the costs involved—including for provisional filing, complete specification, PCT filing, and Convention applications—so that you can plan your IP protection smartly and affordably.

Part 1: Patent Registration Cost in India

Key Cost Components

Stage	Cost (Startups/Individuals)	Cost (Others/Large Entity)
Patentability Search (optional)	₹5,000 – ₹20,000	₹20,000 – ₹50,000
Complete Specification Application after the provisional (Form 2) (subject to no. of claim and pages fee increases)	No fee	No fee
Provisional / Complete Specification Filing (Form 1) (subject to no. of priority/claim and pages fee increases)	₹1,600 – ₹2,800	₹8,000
Request for Examination (Form 18)	₹4,000 (Ordinary Applicattion) ₹5,600 (PCT Application)	₹20,000 (Ordinary Applicattion) ₹28000 (PCT Application)
Drafting & Attorney Fees	₹20,000 – ₹60,000	₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000
FER Responses & Amendments	₹5,000 – ₹25,000	₹25,000 – ₹75,000
Annual Renewal (from 3rd year)	₹800 – ₹8000/year	₹4,000/- ₹40000year

Startups (DPIIT recognized) and small entities enjoy up to 80% rebate on official fees.

Part 2: Cost of Filing Patent Abroad via PCT Application

The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) allows Indian applicants to file one international application and later choose countries (national phase).

PCT Filing Costs (Approx. in INR)

Component	Estimated Cost
WIPO Filing Fee	₹1,00,000 – ₹1,20,000
International Search (ISA/IN or ISA/EP)	₹50,000 – ₹1,20,000
Drafting, Translation, and Agent Fee	₹30,000 – ₹60,000
Total PCT Filing (International Phase)	₹1.5 – ₹2.5 lakhs

National Phase Entry Cost (per country)

Country	Filing & Attorney Fee (INR)
USA	₹2.5 – ₹6 lakhs
Europe (EPO)	₹3 – ₹7 lakhs
China	₹2 – ₹5 lakhs
Japan	₹3.5 – ₹8 lakhs
Australia/Canada	₹2 – ₹4 lakhs

📌 Translation, claim fees, local attorney, and annuity fees can increase total cost.

Part 3: Cost of Filing a Patent via Convention Application (Paris Convention Route)

A Convention application is used when you want to file directly in a specific country (without using PCT), within 12 months of your Indian filing.

Cost Structure of Convention Application

Cost Element	Approx. (INR per country)
Foreign Filing Fees (Govt. + Agent)	₹1.5 – ₹5 lakhs
Translation Costs (if required)	₹50,000 – ₹1.5 lakhs
Local Patent Agent Fee	₹50,000 – ₹1 lakh
Claim/Excess Page Fees (varies)	₹20,000 – ₹1 lakh

Convention route is cost-effective if filing in only 1–2 countries.

Unlike PCT, you must decide the countries within 12 months of your Indian filing.

PCT vs. Convention Filing: Cost Comparison

Feature	PCT Route	Convention Route
Application Type	One international, then national	Direct filing in each country
Upfront Cost	Higher initially	Lower upfront
Time to Decide Countries	Up to 30/31 months	Must decide within 12 months
Best For	Multiple countries (3+)	1–2 countries only
Translation Cost	Deferred	Immediate
Administrative Simplicity	Higher	Complex (many agents involved)

Cost Summary Table

Route	Estimated Cost (Per Filing)
India (Startup)	₹35,000 – ₹1,00,000
India (Corporate)	₹75,000 – ₹2,50,000
PCT Application	₹1.5 – ₹2.5 lakhs
National Phase (Per Country)	₹2 – ₹6 lakhs
Convention Application (Per Country)	₹1.5 – ₹5 lakhs

Conclusion: Budget Smart, File Smart

Patent filing—whether in India, through PCT, or via Convention—is an investment. Understanding cost dynamics helps you:

Avoid filing in unprofitable countries
Prevent surprise legal fees later
Optimize use of startup rebates and cost-saving mechanisms
Build a strong IP portfolio that pays off over time

Patents are not expenses—they are business assets. But only when planned properly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is patent filing cheaper via Convention or PCT?
👉 Convention is cheaper if filing in 1–2 countries, but PCT is economical long-term for 3+ countries.

Q2. Can Indian startups get government subsidies for patents?
👉 Yes! Through the SIPP Scheme and state innovation policies, some startups receive partial reimbursement for patent costs.

Q3. Do I need to pay again in each country after PCT?
👉 Yes. National phase fees must be paid in each country, including translations and legal fees.

Q4. Can I delay foreign patent costs?
👉 Yes. The PCT route gives up to 30 months from Indian filing to delay country-wise costs.

Q5. What is the cost of just a provisional patent in India?
👉 Around ₹6,000 – ₹15,000 (startup + basic drafting).

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Patent Registration Cost by Indians – In India, PCT & Convention Applications