Patent Law · Est. 2007 · Crystal Lake, Illinois
Patent protection for inventors and businesses worldwide.
Underwood & Associates prepares and files patent applications for clients across the United States and around the world. Since 2007, our practitioners have handled utility and design patents in every technical field, from mechanical devices to advanced software, chemistry, and medical technology. Located between Chicago and Milwaukee, we work with clients everywhere through secure videoconferencing and electronic document management, and our work is reflected in our 5-star Google ratings.
USPTO-registered practitioners·Free initial consultation·Clients worldwide
Quality patent protection, within reach.
For most inventors, the biggest obstacle between an idea and a patent is not the invention. It is the cost. This firm was built on a different premise: high-quality patent protection should be attainable for the solo inventor and the startup as well as the established company. That is why we quote our costs up front, offer flat rates on select services, keep our overhead lean, and tell you plainly whether the investment makes business sense before you spend a dollar.
Patent services for inventors, companies, and IP professionals.
- Patent application drafting & filing: utility and design applications in every technical field, drafted, filed, and prosecuted through issuance.
- Patentability searches & opinions: know what is already out there before you invest in an application. $1,200 flat rate, any technology.
- PCT national-stage & foreign filings: $750 flat-rate U.S. filing of national-stage and foreign applications that are already drafted and ready to file.
- U.S. counsel for foreign applicants: registered U.S. representation before the USPTO for foreign firms, companies, and inventors.
- Patent reexaminations: challenge an asserted patent's validity at the USPTO, often the most direct way out of an infringement threat.
- Support for IP professionals: drafting, searches, and document review for law firms, corporate legal departments, and technology transfer offices.
Rule change · Effective July 20, 2026
Filing from outside the United States? You now need a registered U.S. practitioner.
As of July 20, 2026, the USPTO requires foreign-domiciled applicants and owners to be represented by a registered U.S. patent practitioner, including in cases already pending. We act as U.S. associate for foreign firms and as direct counsel for foreign applicants. Your client stays your client. How we help foreign applicants
Every technology. One focus: patents.
We practice patents exclusively. No trademarks, no copyrights, no distractions. Our teams of registered practitioners and Ph.D.-level scientists take on all subject matter areas and scale to the size of the job. Practice areas
Predictable cost, no surprise invoices.
We are up-front about rates and billing before work begins, and we offer flat rates on select services, including $750 U.S. national-stage filings and $1,200 patentability searches. You will know the number before we start. Services
Start with a conversation.
Tell us about your invention or your filing needs. We offer a free initial consultation, by phone or videoconference, and we will give you a straight answer about your options and what they cost. Contact us
Or call us directly: +1 815-261-4363.