LegalZoom has expanded its intellectual property services to include patent filings through its Arizona-based law firm, LZ Legal Services. This new offering provides attorney-assisted provisional patent application services, aiming to make patent protection more accessible and affordable for businesses and inventors.
According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, 368,597 patents were granted between December 1, 2023, and November 30, 2024, marking a 5.7% increase from the previous period. Recognizing the growing demand for intellectual property protection, LegalZoom has introduced a streamlined process for provisional patent applications. The basic self-guided patent package is priced at $299, while premium attorney-assisted services start at $999. In contrast, traditional law firms typically charge over $5,500 for similar services.
Nicole Miller, Chief Legal Officer at LegalZoom, stated, “Combining innovative technology with attorney expertise, LegalZoom is committed to transforming how people navigate the legal system. 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.” This approach is designed to help individual inventors and early-stage startups secure “patent pending” status, which is crucial for establishing credibility with investors and customers.
Growth-stage companies without in-house legal teams can also benefit from this service, as it offers a fast, affordable, and high-quality path to file multiple patent applications and manage patent portfolios. The process is supported by in-house USPTO-registered patent attorneys and agents, ensuring quality and maximizing the chances of successful future utility patent applications. Additionally, customers can enhance their provisional patent applications with add-ons such as comprehensive patent searches and custom professional drawings.
Don Smith, a USPTO-licensed patent attorney and member of LZ Legal Services, commented, “As an attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how cost and complexity can deter innovators from protecting their ideas. LegalZoom’s new provisional patent application filing service removes those barriers, providing an efficient and affordable way for entrepreneurs to safeguard their inventions while benefiting from professional legal guidance.”
This expansion builds on LegalZoom’s existing trademark registration services, continuing its mission to make legal services more accessible and affordable for individuals and small businesses. By combining technology with legal expertise, LegalZoom aims to simplify the patent application process and support innovation across various industries.