Commerce will reimburse Rhode Island small businesses and inventors up to $5,000 towards patent application filings; deadline to apply is Friday, May 1
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – April 13, 2026 – Rhode Island Commerce is accepting applications for its Invention Incentive Program which reimburses up to $5,000 for eligible expenses incurred when filing a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Invention Incentive Program applications are being accepted through Friday, May 1, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. EST.
To be eligible, applicants must either be a Rhode Island-incorporated small business with 500 or fewer employees and at least 51% of its employees located in the state, or an inventor or co-inventors residing in Rhode Island.
“Today we’re opening the door for innovators to turn their ideas into real-world solutions,” said Governor McKee. “When we invest in new ideas, we’re investing in economic growth, job creation, and a stronger, more competitive future for Rhode Island.”
Reimbursements may cover eligible legal and filing fees, including services provided by a USPTO-registered patent practitioner located in Rhode Island, as well as USPTO application fees for provisional or nonprovisional patent applications. Applicants may submit proof of expenses incurred between May 27, 2025, and the application deadline of May 1, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. EST.
“This program is yet another example of how we are supporting Rhode Island’s entrepreneurs and innovation-focused businesses,” said Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor. “By helping offset the cost of securing a patent, we’re making it easier for inventors to protect their ideas and move them forward.”
The Invention Incentive Program was launched in 2025 and is part of Rhode Island Commerce’s Innovation Initiatives Portfolio, which invests in innovation and entrepreneurship. In addition to the Invention Incentive Program, Commerce is also accepting applications for its Innovation Voucher program through Tuesday, April 28. 2026.
To learn more or apply, visit commerceri.com/invention-incentive-program.
Contact: Giselle Mahoney
(401) 545-0626
giselle.mahoney.ctr@commerce.ri.gov
