Patent protection, drafted with a scientist's eye for detail.
I help inventors, startups, and businesses obtain strong patents in these fields:
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Chemical engineering and biocatalysis
- Pharmaceuticals
- Computational methods
About the practice
What a patent agent does for you
I am Oleg Tsodikov, Ph.D., a patent agent registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Reg. No. 84,506. I am licensed to prepare and prosecute patent applications on your behalf, which covers all of the technical and procedural work of taking an invention from disclosure to a granted patent. I always begin by assessing whether an invention, even one at an early stage, is patentable. This first step can save the client money, effort, and time.
With a background in biophysics, drug discovery and development, computation, applied mathematics, and physics, built over more than 30 years in academia, I can read your invention the way an examiner will and draft claims (the part of a patent that defines what is legally protected) that capture what makes it new. I work directly with inventors and businesses, including foreign inventors and companies, seeking patent protection in the United States and abroad. I also provide overflow drafting and prosecution support for attorneys.
Patent agents focus specifically on patent matters before the USPTO. For litigation, licensing contracts, or trademark disputes, I'll gladly point you toward a qualified attorney.
Services
How I can help
I can help at any stage, from a first assessment of patentability to a granted patent.
Patentability & prior-art searches
A focused search and a written assessment of whether your invention is likely to be patentable, even at a very early stage. The results help you decide whether, and where, to invest before a full application is drafted.
Patent application drafting
Provisional and non-provisional utility applications, international (PCT) applications, and design applications, including the specification, claims, and figures, written to protect the essential features of your invention.
Office action responses
Responses to USPTO rejections and objections, with claim amendments and examiner interviews where they help move the application toward allowance.
Prosecution through to grant
I manage all communication with the examiner, keep your application on schedule, and keep you informed at every step.
Application review & second opinions
A careful review of a pending application or a draft prepared elsewhere, as well as overflow drafting support for attorneys.
How it works
From idea to patent
Consultation
A free 30-minute conversation about your invention and goals. No confidential details are needed at this stage.
Search
A prior-art search and patentability assessment, so you know where you stand before investing in drafting.
Drafting
I prepare the application and refine the claims together with you.
Filing
I file your application with the USPTO.
Prosecution
I handle all communication with the examiner until the patent is granted.
Fees
Flat-fee pricing
Most work is done for a flat fee, agreed in writing before I begin, so you know the cost up front. The final quote depends on the complexity of your invention.
Utility application fees include the prior-art search, because every sound application starts with one. If you've already ordered a search from me, its cost is credited toward the application. USPTO government fees are not included in any fee listed here; reduced USPTO fees are available to qualifying small and micro entities.
Initial consultation
FreeA 30-minute conversation about your invention and goals.
Prior-art search report
$800 to $1,200A targeted search that identifies the most relevant patents and publications, with key passages marked. Suited to attorneys who write their own opinions, and to clients who are not yet ready to file.
Patentability search & written opinion
$1,500 to $2,500The full search plus a written analysis of whether your invention is likely patentable, and how to position your claims.
Provisional patent application
$4,000 to $6,000Search included. Secures an early filing date. The higher end of the range applies to detailed provisionals that include claims.
Non-provisional utility application
Search and first information disclosure statement included. Full specification and claims, plus figures prepared from your data, such as chemical structures, reaction schemes, and data plots.
- Computational methods$7,500 to $11,500
- Chemistry, chemical engineering, pharmaceuticals & biotechnology$9,500 to $14,500
Design patent application
$1,000 to $1,500Non-provisional design application; formal drawings billed per sheet.
Formal patent drawings
$100 to $150 per sheetProfessional line drawings meeting USPTO standards, for apparatus, devices, and design applications. Quoted before work begins.
Office action response (substantive)
Typically $2,000 to $3,500Arguments and claim amendments responding to prior-art and other rejections. A fixed quote is given after I review the examiner's action.
Office action response (procedural)
From $300Restriction/election requirements, terminal disclaimers, and formality objections.
Other USPTO filings
From $150Additional information disclosure statements, assignment recordings, extensions of time, and similar filings. Quoted before filing.
Overflow support for law firms
On requestHourly or per-matter rates for drafting and prosecution support.
Get in touch
Contact
Tell me briefly what you are working on, and I will follow up by email or phone. A sentence or two is enough at this stage.