Non-U.S. IP firms and clients want their patent applications filed in the U.S. for a competitive fee and without the monthly billing that so often accompanies U.S. practice. Under a new program, Patterson + Sheridan receives applications and files them for a one-time flat fee, plus government expenses. The single fee covers everything associated with a patent application up to the first substantive action by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The program results in a more predictable cost model, dramatically reducing time keeping and accounting activity and resulting in a model that more closely fits European practice.