INIPA | Global Intellectual Property Services Agency

This fee includes the Official Fee + Firm Fee, Total (USD).Official fees for European Patent Office (EPO) patent applications vary significantly depending on the application stage, number of pages, number of claims, etc.Failure to submit EN translation before the end of 31 months to EPO from the earliest priority application date (after PCT) leadsto loss of rights.

This fee includes the Official Fee + Firm Fee, Total (USD)Official fees for U.S. patent applications vary considerably depending on the applicant type (large entity, small entity, micro entity) and the specifics of the application documents (number of claims). The following information is based on the latest official fee schedule, effective January 27, 2025.In actual applications, additional official fees may apply in the following situations: Claim surcharge: An additional fee is required when there are more than 3 independent claims, more than 20 total claims, or multiple dependent claims.

This fee includes the Official Fee + Firm Fee, Total (USD)The official fees for Chinese invention patents are stipulated by the State Intellectual Property Office (CNIPA) and vary depending on the applicant's type (individual, enterprise, etc.) and whether they are eligible for fee reductions. (The specific percentage is subject to the policy of the year).

This fee includes the Official Fee + Firm Fee, Total (USD)A typical UK patent application (filed online, no more than 20 claims, 25-page description) should have concise claims and description to avoid additional fees for exceeding page limits and claims.

This fee includes the Official Fee + Firm Fee, Total (USD)German utility model patent applications have significant advantages in terms of lower costs and extremely fast authorization, but their protected subject matter is narrower, and the stability of the rights depends entirely on subsequent searches and examinations during rights enforcement. This makes application strategies and risk planning particularly important.German utility models (Gebrauchsmuster) only protect "technical solutions for movable physical products" (Article 1 of the German Utility Model Act).The German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) only conducts formal examination; it does not conduct searches or evaluate novelty or inventiveness. As long as the documents are compliant, registration and publication are usually obtained within 2-4 weeks after application.

This fee includes the Official Fee + Firm Fee, Total (USD)French utility models and French invention patents (Brevets) cover the same subject matter, encompassing all types of technical solutions, including products and methods.Applicants must proactively request and pay a fee within 18 months of the application date for an INPI (Institute of Patents) to prepare a "search report," along with preliminary written opinions on novelty and inventiveness. This report does not affect the grant (granting may occur even with a negative report), but its conclusions are the sole official reference for assessing the stability and value of the patent right.French utility models do not undergo substantive examination. As long as the document format is compliant, regardless of the technical content, granting will occur approximately 18 months after publication from the application date.For foreign applicants without a permanent office or residence in France, the law mandates that they appoint a patent attorney (Conseil en Propriété Industrielle) registered in France.

This fee includes the Official Fee + Firm Fee, Total (USD)A utility model patent can only protect "the shape, structure, or combination thereof of a product." This means that methods, processes, software programs, and materials themselves are not within the scope of utility model protection. This is the most fundamental difference between a utility model and an invention patent, and it is the primary criterion for determining whether a utility model application can be made.

This fee includes the Official Fee + Firm Fee, Total (USD)Russian utility model patent applications follow a similar process to German ones, using a registration system for fast grants, but without substantive examination, requiring the applicant to verify the stability of their rights.Russian utility models protect "technical solutions related to products (devices, substances, microbial strains, etc.) or methods." Their scope is broader than German ones, explicitly including methods, and slightly broader than Chinese protection, more closely resembling the subject matter of invention patents.Russian utility models employ a "request for examination system": applicants must proactively request substantive examination and pay the fee within three years of the application date. Failure to do so within the time limit will result in the application being deemed withdrawn.Official examinations are conducted for novelty and utility, but typically without rigorous examination of inventiveness; therefore, the grant rate and speed are still higher than for invention patents.

This fee includes the Official Fee + Firm Fee, Total (USD)EU registered community designs (RCDs) are highly attractive due to their unified protection across all 27 EU member states with a single application. They offer a simple fee structure, fast authorization, and long protection periods, but the examination is extremely lenient, and the validity of the rights largely depends on subsequent challenges.The EUIPO does not examine novelty or individual character. As long as the documents are formatted correctly and do not violate public policy or ethics, a registration certificate is usually obtained within one week.Applications can be submitted in one of the 23 official languages ​​of the EUIPO. However, in case of disputes, litigation must be conducted in one of the EUIPO's second languages ​​(English, French, German, Spanish, or Italian).

This fee includes the Official Fee + Firm Fee, Total (USD)U.S. design patents are expensive and subject to rigorous examination, but their value lies in their powerful monopolistic nature in the U.S. market. Their core characteristics include strictly defined protection scope based on drawings and no annual fees.To obtain a U.S. design patent, in addition to novelty, the applicant must also meet the inventive step requirement of "non-obviousness." The quality of the drawings in a U.S. design patent application is paramount. Clients should be commissioned or instructed to have them drawn by a professional draftsman and to work with a U.S. attorney to employ a strategy of using solid and dashed lines to secure the most reasonable scope of protection.Mandatory representation is required: all applicants residing outside the United States must be represented by a licensed U.S. patent attorney or agent.

This fee includes the Official Fee + Firm Fee, Total (USD)The core characteristics of UK design patents are lenient examination, extremely fast issuance of certificates, and a very favorable grace period for novelty.The UK's novelty grace period is among the most favorable globally, offering a 12-month grace period. This means that designers can still submit a registration application in the UK within 12 months of their design's first public disclosure globally (such as for sale or publication), and this disclosure does not destroy its novelty.The UKIPO does not examine novelty or uniqueness; it only examines document format and whether it violates public order and good morals. Therefore, as long as the documents are compliant, registration is almost 100% guaranteed.

This fee includes the Official Fee + Firm Fee, Total (USD)Chinese design patents have their own unique characteristics in terms of process and examination standards. Their core advantages lie in faster examination, lower costs, and higher rights stability compared to countries with a registration system that does not require examination, after a preliminary substantive examination.Unlike the "pure registration system" of some countries, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) conducts a preliminary substantive examination of applications, focusing on assessing whether the design is prior art or not significantly different from existing designs/combinations (i.e., examining novelty).Optimizing view quality is crucial; views are the lifeline. High-quality views that fully comply with CNIPA format specifications must be provided; this is the foundation for successful granting.

US Patent Renewal Fee Amount = Official US Patent Renewal Fee (USD) + INIPA Service Fee of USD 30 (excluding VAT)*Patent renewal fees consist of three parts: official patent renewal fee (specific fees vary depending on the intellectual property office's regulations; see the main text for a detailed list) + INIPA service fee of US$30 (excluding VAT) + local patent attorney's fee (Sometimes 0, Welcome to inquire).*After paying the official patent renewal fee, your company will receive two documents within a certain period: a renewal certificate + a link to the website's updated status.*INIPA is a global intellectual property service provider offering patent renewal services in intellectual property offices in over 100 countries and regions.Frequently Asked Questions:1. How are official patent renewal fees calculated in different countries?A: Official patent renewal fees are fees paid by the government to the intellectual property office of each country, calculated according to the fee regulations of that country's intellectual property office (see the main text for details; the settlement amount is based on the exchange rate of the country/region's currency to the US dollar on the payment date).2. What is the INIPA service fee?A: INIPA's service fee is generally US$30 per patent (excluding 5% sales tax).3. What are the local patent attorney's fees?A: In major countries, "local patent attorney fees" are zero; INIPA will not charge your company this fee. Because some national and regional intellectual property offices require patent annuities to be paid by patent attorneys registered with that country's intellectual property office, we must pay local patent attorney fees.The fees INIPA pays to local patent attorneys vary by country/region.Please note: Global patent renewal fees are not limited to the original patent attorney; therefore, there is no need to change patent attorneys to pay patent annuities.4. Which countries/regions have zero "local patent attorney fees"?A: Currently, countries where fees are not paid through local patent attorneys include: the United States, China, Japan, Germany, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. These countries are also major patent application countries, accounting for more than 60% of global patent applications.For more information or to "get local patent attorney fees," please click the "GET A QUOTE" button and leave a message.

UK Patent Renewal Fee Amount = Official UK Patent Renewal Fee (GBP) + INIPA Service Fee of USD 30 (excluding VAT)*Patent renewal fees consist of three parts: official patent renewal fee (specific fees vary depending on the intellectual property office's regulations; see the main text for a detailed list) + INIPA service fee of US$30 (excluding VAT) + local patent attorney's fee (Sometimes 0, Welcome to inquire).*After paying the official patent renewal fee, your company will receive two documents within a certain period: a renewal certificate + a link to the website's updated status.*INIPA is a global intellectual property service provider offering patent renewal services in intellectual property offices in over 100 countries and regions.Frequently Asked Questions:1. How are official patent renewal fees calculated in different countries?A: Official patent renewal fees are fees paid by the government to the intellectual property office of each country, calculated according to the fee regulations of that country's intellectual property office (see the main text for details; the settlement amount is based on the exchange rate of the country/region's currency to the US dollar on the payment date).2. What is the INIPA service fee?A: INIPA's service fee is generally US$30 per patent (excluding 5% sales tax).3. What are the local patent attorney's fees?A: In major countries, "local patent attorney fees" are zero; INIPA will not charge your company this fee. Because some national and regional intellectual property offices require patent annuities to be paid by patent attorneys registered with that country's intellectual property office, we must pay local patent attorney fees.The fees INIPA pays to local patent attorneys vary by country/region.Please note: Global patent renewal fees are not limited to the original patent attorney; therefore, there is no need to change patent attorneys to pay patent annuities.4. Which countries/regions have zero "local patent attorney fees"?A: Currently, countries where fees are not paid through local patent attorneys include: the United States, China, Japan, Germany, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. These countries are also major patent application countries, accounting for more than 60% of global patent applications.For more information or to "get local patent attorney fees," please click the "GET A QUOTE" button and leave a message.

German Patent Renewal Fee = Official German Patent Renewal Fee (EUR) + INIPA Service Fee of USD 30 (excluding VAT)*Patent renewal fees consist of three parts: official patent renewal fee (specific fees vary depending on the intellectual property office's regulations; see the main text for a detailed list) + INIPA service fee of US$30 (excluding VAT) + local patent attorney's fee (Sometimes 0, Welcome to inquire).*After paying the official patent renewal fee, your company will receive two documents within a certain period: a renewal certificate + a link to the website's updated status.*INIPA is a global intellectual property service provider offering patent renewal services in intellectual property offices in over 100 countries and regions.Frequently Asked Questions:1. How are official patent renewal fees calculated in different countries?A: Official patent renewal fees are fees paid by the government to the intellectual property office of each country, calculated according to the fee regulations of that country's intellectual property office (see the main text for details; the settlement amount is based on the exchange rate of the country/region's currency to the US dollar on the payment date).2. What is the INIPA service fee?A: INIPA's service fee is generally US$30 per patent (excluding 5% sales tax).3. What are the local patent attorney's fees?A: In major countries, "local patent attorney fees" are zero; INIPA will not charge your company this fee. Because some national and regional intellectual property offices require patent annuities to be paid by patent attorneys registered with that country's intellectual property office, we must pay local patent attorney fees.The fees INIPA pays to local patent attorneys vary by country/region.Please note: Global patent renewal fees are not limited to the original patent attorney; therefore, there is no need to change patent attorneys to pay patent annuities.4. Which countries/regions have zero "local patent attorney fees"?A: Currently, countries where fees are not paid through local patent attorneys include: the United States, China, Japan, Germany, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. These countries are also major patent application countries, accounting for more than 60% of global patent applications.For more information or to "get local patent attorney fees," please click the "GET A QUOTE" button and leave a message.

Canadian Patent Renewal Fee = Official Canadian Patent Renewal Fee (CAD) + INIPA Service Fee of USD 30 (excluding VAT)*Patent renewal fees consist of three parts: official patent renewal fee (specific fees vary depending on the intellectual property office's regulations; see the main text for a detailed list) + INIPA service fee of US$30 (excluding VAT) + local patent attorney's fee (Sometimes 0, Welcome to inquire).*After paying the official patent renewal fee, your company will receive two documents within a certain period: a renewal certificate + a link to the website's updated status.*INIPA is a global intellectual property service provider offering patent renewal services in intellectual property offices in over 100 countries and regions.Frequently Asked Questions:1. How are official patent renewal fees calculated in different countries?A: Official patent renewal fees are fees paid by the government to the intellectual property office of each country, calculated according to the fee regulations of that country's intellectual property office (see the main text for details; the settlement amount is based on the exchange rate of the country/region's currency to the US dollar on the payment date).2. What is the INIPA service fee?A: INIPA's service fee is generally US$30 per patent (excluding 5% sales tax).3. What are the local patent attorney's fees?A: In major countries, "local patent attorney fees" are zero; INIPA will not charge your company this fee. Because some national and regional intellectual property offices require patent annuities to be paid by patent attorneys registered with that country's intellectual property office, we must pay local patent attorney fees.The fees INIPA pays to local patent attorneys vary by country/region.Please note: Global patent renewal fees are not limited to the original patent attorney; therefore, there is no need to change patent attorneys to pay patent annuities.4. Which countries/regions have zero "local patent attorney fees"?A: Currently, countries where fees are not paid through local patent attorneys include: the United States, China, Japan, Germany, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. These countries are also major patent application countries, accounting for more than 60% of global patent applications.For more information or to "get local patent attorney fees," please click the "GET A QUOTE" button and leave a message.

US copyright registration is handled by the US Copyright Office, part of the Library of Congress.In the US, copyright protection is automatically generated the moment an original work is affixed to a tangible medium (such as writing on paper, storing on a hard drive, or painting on canvas). Registration is not a prerequisite for obtaining copyright. Regardless of whether the work is publicly published, it enjoys automatic protection. Although copyright is automatically generated, official registration brings crucial legal and practical benefits, making it almost indispensable for rights holders.The necessity is mainly reflected in the following aspects: The "ticket" to file an infringement lawsuit, which is the most important legal advantage. Under US law, only works that have been registered are eligible for infringement lawsuits in federal court, whether before or after the infringement occurs. Unregistered works, even if infringed, cannot be sued; an application must be submitted first, and registration must be completed.Obtaining statutory damages and attorney fees. Without registration, rights holders can only claim "actual damages" (i.e., their actual losses and the infringer's illegal gains), which are often difficult to prove and calculate.Establishing a public legal presumption: A registration certificate serves as "prima facie evidence" of copyright validity and the facts stated on the certificate (such as ownership, authorship, and year of completion). In court, the burden of proof shifts to the challenging party, providing the rights holder with a strong legal presumption advantage.Publicity and deterrence: Registration records are publicly verifiable, effectively declaring your ownership of the work to the world. This deters potential infringers and provides clear ownership information to licensees or buyers in commercial transactions (such as licensing and transfers).Customs filing prevents the import of infringing goods: Only registered works can be filed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). CBP can use this information to seize and destroy imported pirated or infringing goods at the border, providing crucial border protection for rights holders.Commercial and financing value: Clear copyright registration is fundamental for copyright transactions (such as transfers, licenses, and pledges), increasing counterparty confidence. It is also a definite intangible asset that aids in company valuation, financing, or mergers and acquisitions.Summary and recommendations: Automatic copyright protection is the foundation; official registration is the weapon. Copyright is automatically generated, granting you basic rights; however, official registration transforms these rights into an enforceable and powerful legal weapon. Registration is strongly recommended for works with commercial value, high creative investment, or potential infringement risks.

Setting up a company in London, UK, offers foreign investors and foreign-invested enterprises multiple strategic advantages. The core benefits are detailed below:**International Financial Hub: London is the world's largest foreign exchange trading center, international insurance market, and European investment banking hub. Its proximity to the London Stock Exchange facilitates corporate financing, mergers and acquisitions, and capital operations.**Diverse Economic Ecosystem: In addition to finance, London is a global leader in technology, creative industries, professional services (legal, accounting, consulting), education, and green energy.**Low Registration Threshold: There is no minimum registered capital requirement, and there are no nationality restrictions for shareholders and directors. A company can be established with just one shareholder and one director.**Low Corporate Income Tax: From 2023, the UK corporate income tax rate is 25% (profits exceeding £250,000), but a 19% rate applies to SMEs with profits below £50,000.**R&D Tax Relief: Eligible companies can enjoy a tax deduction of up to 33% on R&D expenditures.**Extensive Tax Treaty Network: London has signed double taxation avoidance agreements with over 130 countries worldwide.**A Bridge Between Europe and the World: Despite Brexit, London retains its status as a core business hub in the European time zone and leverages a sophisticated international network to reach markets in North America, Asia, and the Middle East.**World-Class Universities and Research Institutions: Universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and the London School of Economics provide a talent pool, particularly leading in fintech, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology.**International Talent Pool: Highly open immigration policies (such as the Global Business Mobility Visa and the Innovator Visa) attract global professionals.**International Recognition of the Common Law System: The British legal system is renowned for its high transparency and strong contract enforcement, and its dispute resolution mechanisms (such as the London Court of International Arbitration) are trusted by businesses worldwide.

Establishing a company in New York State offers significant strategic advantages for foreign investors and foreign-invested enterprises. Here is a detailed breakdown of the core benefits:**World-Class Business Hub: New York City is a global center for finance, media, technology, and fashion, attracting numerous international corporate headquarters, top talent, and capital resources.**Global Market Reach: Located in the heart of the US East Coast, it facilitates coverage of the North American market and connects to global networks in Europe and Asia.**High Transparency under Common Law: A well-developed legal system with strong contract enforcement and intellectual property protection.**International Financial Center: The New York Stock Exchange and Wall Street financial institutions provide convenient channels for financing, mergers and acquisitions, and capital operations.**Free Foreign Exchange Flow: No foreign exchange controls allow for flexible capital inflows and outflows.**Combined Federal and State Taxation: LLCs and other entities that operate through the entity can avoid corporate income tax, with only shareholders paying personal income tax.**No Residency Restrictions: Shareholders and directors do not need US citizenship or a green card.**Top Universities and Research Institutions: Columbia University, New York University, and other institutions provide talent pools and R&D collaboration opportunities.**Diverse Workforce: The international city attracts global professionals in fields such as finance, technology, and creative industries.**Global Recognition of "New York Companies": Enhances your company's international reputation and strengthens the confidence of clients, partners, and investors.**Mature Professional Service Network: Abundant resources from lawyers, accountants, and consulting firms support compliant business operations.

Establishing a company in Beijing, China, offers significant strategic advantages and unique characteristics for foreign investors. The following is a detailed analysis:**Open Policy Environment: As a national comprehensive demonstration zone for expanding the opening-up of the service industry, Beijing has fewer restrictions on foreign investment in sectors such as technology, finance, education, and healthcare, and particularly encourages foreign investment in high-tech and cultural and creative industries.**Free Trade Zone Policies: The Beijing Free Trade Zone (covering technological innovation, international business services, and high-end industry zones) offers tax incentives, convenient cross-border capital flows, and cross-border data pilot programs.**Headquarters Economy Advantages: Beijing is the preferred location for many multinational corporations' Asia-Pacific or China headquarters, facilitating nationwide market reach.**Talent and Research Resources: Beijing boasts a wealth of talent, including top universities like Tsinghua and Peking University, and research institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The government also provides support for high-level talent, including visa and housing assistance.**Capital and Financial Center: Beijing is a financial decision-making center, facilitating connections with capital markets, private equity funds, and international investment and financing institutions.**Technological Innovation Hub: Zhongguancun Science Park enjoys the reputation of "China's Silicon Valley," offering support such as R&D subsidies and intellectual property protection.**Complete Industrial Chain: A complete ecosystem has been formed, especially in the fields of digital economy, artificial intelligence, and biomedicine.**Diplomatic and International Resources: A concentration of foreign embassies, international organizations, and chambers of commerce facilitates international exchange and cooperation.

Setting up a company in Hong Kong offers unique strategic advantages and significant conveniences for foreign investors and foreign-invested enterprises. The following is a detailed introduction and analysis:**Free Economic System: Free flow of capital, goods, and talent; no foreign exchange controls; fully open capital flows.**Rule of Law and Judicial Independence: A well-developed common law system; high legal transparency; strict intellectual property protection; and high international recognition.**Language and Culture: A bilingual environment (Chinese and English) serves as a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures, facilitating cross-border communication and business expansion.**Low Tax Rates: Corporate income tax (profits tax) rates are only 8.25% (for the first HK$2 million of profits) and 16.5% (for remaining profits). There is no value-added tax, sales tax, or capital gains tax.**Territorial Taxation: Tax is levied only on profits originating from Hong Kong; overseas income is usually tax-free.**Tax Treaty Network: Hong Kong has signed double taxation avoidance agreements with over 40 countries/regions (such as Mainland China, the UK, and Japan), reducing cross-border tax costs. International Financial Centre: Boasting a highly open banking system, with branches of major global banks, facilitating financing and cross-border settlements.**Mature Capital Markets: The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) is Asia's leading IPO and financing platform, ideal for companies listing or issuing bonds.**Connecting Mainland China to the World: Serving as a springboard to the Mainland China market, especially benefiting from trade and investment incentives through CEPA (Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement).**Regional Hub: Located in the heart of Asia, with major Asian cities within a 4-hour flight radius and an efficient logistics and supply chain network.**Low Entry Barriers: No paid-in capital is required for registration; there are no nationality restrictions for shareholders and directors; a company can be established with just one shareholder and one director.**No Industry Restrictions: Except for licensed sectors such as banking and insurance, most industries allow wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries.

US copyright registration is handled by the US Copyright Office, part of the Library of Congress.In the US, copyright protection is automatically generated the moment an original work is affixed to a tangible medium (such as writing on paper, storing on a hard drive, or painting on canvas). Registration is not a prerequisite for obtaining copyright. Regardless of whether the work is publicly published, it enjoys automatic protection. Although copyright is automatically generated, official registration brings crucial legal and practical benefits, making it almost indispensable for rights holders.The necessity is mainly reflected in the following aspects: The "ticket" to file an infringement lawsuit, which is the most important legal advantage. Under US law, only works that have been registered are eligible for infringement lawsuits in federal court, whether before or after the infringement occurs. Unregistered works, even if infringed, cannot be sued; an application must be submitted first, and registration must be completed.Obtaining statutory damages and attorney fees. Without registration, rights holders can only claim "actual damages" (i.e., their actual losses and the infringer's illegal gains), which are often difficult to prove and calculate.Establishing a public legal presumption: A registration certificate serves as "prima facie evidence" of copyright validity and the facts stated on the certificate (such as ownership, authorship, and year of completion). In court, the burden of proof shifts to the challenging party, providing the rights holder with a strong legal presumption advantage.Publicity and deterrence: Registration records are publicly verifiable, effectively declaring your ownership of the work to the world. This deters potential infringers and provides clear ownership information to licensees or buyers in commercial transactions (such as licensing and transfers).Customs filing prevents the import of infringing goods: Only registered works can be filed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). CBP can use this information to seize and destroy imported pirated or infringing goods at the border, providing crucial border protection for rights holders.Commercial and financing value: Clear copyright registration is fundamental for copyright transactions (such as transfers, licenses, and pledges), increasing counterparty confidence. It is also a definite intangible asset that aids in company valuation, financing, or mergers and acquisitions.Summary and recommendations: Automatic copyright protection is the foundation; official registration is the weapon. Copyright is automatically generated, granting you basic rights; however, official registration transforms these rights into an enforceable and powerful legal weapon. Registration is strongly recommended for works with commercial value, high creative investment, or potential infringement risks.