About this programme
The Invention Incentive Program is a Rhode Island Commerce Corporation grant that reimburses up to $5,000 in patent-related costs for inventors and small businesses in the state.
It covers two kinds of expense: legal fees paid to a USPTO-registered patent practitioner located in Rhode Island, and USPTO application fees for provisional or nonprovisional patent applications.
How it works
The award reimburses costs already incurred, up to $5,000, for patent legal fees and USPTO filing fees.
Eligible expenses must fall within a defined window; for the current round that window runs from May 27, 2025 through May 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST.
An applicant who has already received an Invention Incentive award is not eligible for another one.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants are either a small business (500 or fewer employees) incorporated in Rhode Island with at least 51% of employees based in Rhode Island, or an individual inventor (or co-inventors) residing in Rhode Island.
An applicant who has already received one Invention Incentive award cannot receive a second one.
How to apply
- Submit an application during the open application period; the current round runs April 7, 2026 through May 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST.
- Small business applicants provide Rhode Island Secretary of State registration documentation.
- Individual inventor applicants provide proof of Rhode Island residency, such as a utility bill, property tax bill, lease, or mortgage statement.
- Include proof of the patent legal and filing expenses incurred within the eligible expense window.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Rhode Island Secretary of State registration documentation (small business applicants)
- Proof of Rhode Island residency: utility bill, property tax bill, lease, or mortgage statement (individual applicants)
- Proof of eligible patent legal and USPTO filing expenses
Frequently asked
How much can I get reimbursed?
Up to $5,000 in reimbursable grants for eligible patent legal fees and USPTO application fees.
Can a business apply, or only individual inventors?
Both. A small business with 500 or fewer employees and at least 51% Rhode Island-based staff can apply, as can an individual or co-inventors residing in Rhode Island.
Can I apply again if I already received an award?
No. If you have already been awarded an Invention Incentive, you are not eligible for an additional award.
Does the patent attorney need to be in Rhode Island?
Yes, reimbursed legal fees must be for a USPTO-registered patent practitioner located in Rhode Island.
More funding in Rhode Island
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All 15 programmes in Rhode Island →
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.