The "Patent cost simulator" feature helps you calculate and anticipate the costs associated with a patent family. 


Patent Cost Simulator


Based on a selected extension scenario and your cost model, this calculator allows you to have a cumulative cost view of the family and a patent by patent detail under the graph. For further analysis, you can also export the data in Excel format.


Example of a classic use:

  • Decision making before an extension decision: With a few clicks you can have an estimate of the cumulative costs of the family over its lifetime.
  • Educational tool: It is possible to show very simply to a person who is not an IP expert the average costs generated by an extension scenario.
  • Decision making before an abandonment: It is also possible to simulate an existing family and to estimate very quickly the cost that remains to be paid to keep it alive.


Patent Cost Simulator overview


How does it work? Based on this priority date and on the statistics used by the cost engine (i.e.: cost estimates and estimated grant delay), the system will calculate the predicted costs for this family.


Priority patent information : 

  • Application date : Date of filing of the priority patent
  • Country : Jurisdiction (country or regional organization) of the priority patent

Extension information :

  • PCT International extension: These are the national extensions chosen in the PCT procedure (a PCT will be automatically added).
  • National direct extension: These are the national extensions chosen in the Paris Convention context (extensions filed within 12 months from the priority date).
  • EP validation: This box is only active if an EP patent has been selected as priority or extension. These are national validations following the grant of an EP patent. It should be noted that if several EP patents have been selected at different levels (priority, extension following a PCT or direct extension), the cost associated with the extensions is only applied on once (preferably on the patent resulting from the PCT, then the extensions and finally the priority). In general, priority patents are abandoned in favor of extensions.



Results:

By clicking on "Run simulation", the system allows you to visualize the result in graphic format (cumulative costs) and in table format. By moving the mouse over the table, you can see the details behind each number.


It is also possible to go back to the initial scenario to modify it.



Note : 3 estimates are displayed on the table: "Maximum scenario", "Medium scenario" and "Minimum scenario".


These three scenarios are calculated according to the customizable table available in the Admin > Patent Laws tab. For each of the estimates it is possible to add a low value and a high value in columns "Main counsel amount" and "Local counsel amount" (separated by a ;).

  • The "Maximum scenario" curve takes into account the high values.
  • The "Medium scenario" curve takes into account the average between the high and low values.
  • The " Minimum scenario " curve takes into account the low value.


See related article: Customize your cost engine