What fees are required for entering the U.S. national stage?

The fees required for entering the U.S. national stage include:

1. Basic national fee (37 CFR 1.492(a)): Must be paid within 30 months from the priority date to avoid abandonment.
2. Search fee (37 CFR 1.492(b)): Due on commencement of the national stage.
3. Examination fee (37 CFR 1.492(c)): Due on commencement of the national stage.
4. Application size fee (37 CFR 1.492(j)): If applicable, based on the number of pages in the international publication.
5. Excess claims fees (37 CFR 1.492(d)-(e)): If applicable.
6. Multiple dependent claim fee (37 CFR 1.492(f)): If applicable.

Additional fees may include:

• Surcharge fee (37 CFR 1.492(h)): For late submission of search fee, examination fee, or inventor’s oath/declaration.
• Processing fee (37 CFR 1.492(i)): For accepting an English translation later than 30 months from the priority date.

As stated in MPEP 1893.01(c): “Because the national stage fees are subject to change, applicants and examiners should always consult the Official Gazette for the current fee listing.”

It’s important to note that the basic national fee must be paid within the 30-month period, while other fees may be paid later with a surcharge.

To learn more:

• national stage fees
• basic national fee
• search fee
• examination fee
• application size fee
• USPTO fees