Can maintenance fees be paid early?

Can maintenance fees be paid early?

Yes, maintenance fees can be paid early. The MPEP 2506 states:

“A maintenance fee may be paid without surcharge at any time during the 6-month period preceding each due date (3 1/2, 7 1/2, and 11 1/2 years after grant).”

This means that patent holders have a 6-month window before each due date to pay the maintenance fee without incurring any additional charges. Paying early within this window can help ensure timely payment and avoid the risk of late fees or patent expiration.

However, it’s important to note that maintenance fees cannot be paid earlier than this 6-month period. The USPTO does not accept maintenance fee payments outside of the designated timeframes for each fee.

To learn more:

• early maintenance fee payment
• patent fees
• USPTO payment window