So you made a significant innovation and think you would like to pursue a patent right away.
Assume you see that process through and file patent applications across numerous important countries. The total cost to prosecute and then maintain that patent for its full life in 5-8 countries could easily exceed $100,000, and in high-cost countries could approach $200,000!
For any company dependent on technical innovation, the costs associated with an enlarging patent portfolio deserve significant attention, and a lifecycle management process.