The AI patent drafting market has matured fast. There are now half a dozen serious tools competing for your filing, each with genuine strengths — and real weaknesses. This is an honest comparison. We'll tell you who each tool is actually best for, including when a competitor is the right answer.

Most software patents fail not because the invention wasn't novel — but because the developer didn't understand the rules of the game. This guide covers every step from idea to "patent pending," including the legal standards that trip up even experienced inventors.

The cost of a provisional patent in 2026 ranges from $160 to over $30,000 — and the gap has almost nothing to do with your invention's complexity. It comes down entirely to how you file. This guide gives you every real number, every tradeoff, and the smartest path forward.