US Patent Annual Fee Payment Service

Name: US Patent Annual Fee Payment Service
Brand: INIPA | Global Intellectual Property Services Agency
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

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.

$30.00

Patent Annual Fee Payment Service:

INIPA Service Fee (excluding VAT)

GET A QUOTE

Add to Quote List View Quote List

Description

United States Patent Renewal Fees (Micro, Small, and Large Entity)

📜

U.S. Utility Patent Maintenance Fees

In the United States, issued utility patents require maintenance fees to remain in force, with a maximum protection period of 20 years from the earliest effective filing date. These fees are not due annually, but in three lump-sum payments at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years after the patent grant date. The fee amount varies significantly based on the applicant's entity status.

Example: For a patent granted on March 15, 2023:

The 1st Maintenance Fee (Year 3.5) is due by September 15, 2026.
The 2nd Maintenance Fee (Year 7.5) is due by September 15, 2030.
The 3rd Maintenance Fee (Year 11.5) is due by September 15, 2034.

Payment Due (Years after Grant)	Micro Entity Fee (USD)	Small Entity Fee (USD)	Large Entity Fee (USD)
3.5 years (1st Maintenance Fee)	$400	$800	$1,600
7.5 years (2nd Maintenance Fee)	$1,050	$2,100	$4,200
11.5 years (3rd Maintenance Fee)	$1,580	$3,160	$6,320

Total fees to maintain a patent for the full term:

Micro Entity: $3,030 | Small Entity: $6,060 | Large Entity: $12,120

📌 Critical Rules for U.S. Maintenance Fees:

1. Entity Status: Your status must be established when filing the application. Large Entity is the default if no small or micro entity certification is filed.

2. Strict Payment Window: Each fee must be paid within the six-month period preceding the due date. A six-month grace period after the due date is available with a substantial surcharge.

3. Irreversible Lapse: If fees are not paid by the end of the grace period, the patent will irreversibly expire. Reinstatement is generally not possible.

🧐

How to Determine Your Entity Size

Large Entity: Any entity that does not qualify as a Small or Micro Entity. This is the default status.
Small Entity: For-profit companies with fewer than 500 employees, individuals, universities, or non-profit organizations.
Micro Entity: A subset of Small Entities. Key qualifications include the inventor's gross income being below a set threshold and having filed fewer than five previous U.S. patent applications.

💡 Key Management & Strategic Recommendations

1. Calendar Based on GRANT Date: U.S. deadlines are based on the patent grant/issue date, not the filing date.

2. Establish Status Early: Determine and certify your entity status (Small or Micro) when filing the application to lock in lower fees.

3. Budget for the Surcharge: The late payment surcharge is significant. Treat the initial due date as the real deadline.

4. Use USPTO's Patent Center: This is the most reliable way to view deadlines and make payments.

5. No Maintenance Fees for Designs: U.S. Design Patents have a single term of 15 years and require no maintenance fees.

Disclaimer: The fees listed are based on the USPTO fee schedule effective as of 2025. Fees are subject to change. This information is for guidance only. Always verify the latest official rates and rules on the USPTO website before making any payments.