The purpose of this guide is to provide you with basic information about filing a utility patent application with the USPTO. Discover pathways to file a patent without fees, including government grants and pro bono services.The cost to apply for and maintain a trademark registration depends on multiple factors. When you have paid fee for the provisional patent application, you need not pay any fee at the time of filing the complete application thereof. Cheapest option is to file for a patent yourself. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) encourages online filing via TEAS (Trademark Electronic Application System) on its website. Provisional patent application. Trademarks are much easier to get than patents. You can fill out the paperwork online without an attorney if you wish. It is worth noting that LeBron James does not currently hold a U.S. Trademark Registration for "KING JAMES.