Invention Incentive Program

The Invention Incentive Program is part of Rhode Island Commerce’s Innovation Initiatives Portfolio created to support local small businesses and innovators in Rhode Island, offering reimbursable grants up to $5,000 for eligible expenses incurred when filing patents.

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants are either:

Small business (500 or less employees) incorporated in Rhode Island, with at least 51% of employees located in Rhode Island, or
An inventor (individual) or co-inventors (two or more individuals) residing in Rhode Island

If an applicant has been awarded an Invention Incentive, they are not eligible for an additional award.

What does the Invention Incentive cover?

The Invention Incentive is a reimbursement grant that covers up to $5,000 of legal fees and application filing fees incurred in filing a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Eligible expenses:

Services provided by a USPTO registered patent practitioner licensed in the state of Rhode Island
USPTO application fees for provisional or nonprovisional patent applications

Application Instructions

Application period is from April 25, 2025 to May 26, 2025.

Eligible applicants may submit proof of expenses incurred for applying for a patent between July 1, 2024, and the application deadline, May 26, 2025, at 5 pm EST.

Carefully review the Rules & Regulations and the Application Form before submitting required documents.

Required documents for small businesses

Proof of incorporation in Rhode Island (RI Secretary of State registration documentation)

Required documents for inventor(s)

Proof of Rhode Island residency for inventor(s) (Utility bill, property tax bill, lease or mortgage statement)