What are the thresholds for excess claims fees in patent applications?

The thresholds for excess claims fees in patent applications are set by the USPTO. According to MPEP 714.10:

Applicant is required to pay excess claims fees for each claim that is in excess of 3 in independent form or in excess of 20 (whether dependent or independent).

This means that:

• You can have up to 3 independent claims without incurring excess claims fees.
• You can have up to 20 total claims (including both independent and dependent claims) without incurring excess claims fees.
• Any claims beyond these thresholds will require payment of excess claims fees.

To learn more:

• excess claims fees
• fee thresholds
• independent claims
• dependent claims
• patent application