German patents require annual renewal fees to remain in force, with a maximum protection period of 20 years. Renewal fees start from the 3rd year and increase biennially (every two years). Important: The due date is always the last day of the month containing the anniversary of the filing date.
Example: For a patent filed on March 15, 2020, the renewal fee for the 3rd year (€80) must be paid by March 31, 2023.
| Patent Year | Renewal Fee (€) | Payment Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Year 3 | 80 | 2nd anniversary (last day of the anniversary month) |
| Year 20 | 480 | 19th anniversary |
Total renewal fees for 20 years: €5,260
1. The fees listed are the standard electronic filing rates. Paper filing incurs a 20% surcharge.
2. Payments can only be made after receiving the official fee notice from the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA). Late payment is possible within a 6-month grace period with a 50% surcharge.
German utility models have a maximum protection period of 10 years. Renewal fees start from the 4th year and also increase biennially. The payment deadline rule is identical to patents.
| Protection Year | Renewal Fee (€) | Payment Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Year 4 | 210 | 3rd anniversary (last day of the anniversary month) |
| Year 10 | 750 | 9th anniversary |
Total renewal fees for 10 years: €3,080
1. The registration of a utility model is a purely formal examination process. The validity of the right is typically examined only in an infringement or nullity proceeding.
2. The first protection period is 3 years, included in the initial application fee. The first renewal fee is due at the start of the 4th year.
German registered designs have a maximum protection period of 25 years. Renewal fees are paid in 5-year blocks, starting from the 6th year.
| Protection Period | Renewal Fee (€) | Payment Window |
|---|---|---|
| First 5 years | Included in initial registration fee | No renewal needed |
| Years 6 - 10 | 90 | Within 6 months before the 5th anniversary |
| Years 21 - 25 | 180 | Within 6 months before the 20th anniversary |
Total renewal fees for 25 years: €540
1. The registration of a design also involves only a formal examination (no substantive examination for novelty or individual character).
2. Renewal fees must be paid for the entire upcoming 5-year period in one lump sum.
3. A 6-month grace period for late renewal is available upon payment of a substantial surcharge (currently €60).
1. Calendar by Filing Month: The critical deadline is always the last day of the month in which the anniversary of the filing date falls. Set reminders for this date.
2. Grace Period as Last Resort: While a 6-month grace period exists for patents and utility models (with a 50% surcharge), relying on it is risky. For designs, missing the renewal window can lead to irrevocable loss of rights.
3. Proactive Payment: Since fees can only be paid after receiving the official DPMA notice, it's best to proactively request this notice 4-6 months before the deadline to ensure timely processing.
4. Bundle Applications: For multiple IP rights, consider using DPMA’s online portal for batch payments and efficient management.
Disclaimer: The fees and information are based on the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) fee schedule as of 2025. Fees are subject to change. Always verify the latest official rates and rules on the DPMA website before making payments.
