What are maintenance fees for patents?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 9 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. Maintenance fees are charges required to keep a patent in force after it has been granted. According to MPEP 2501 , these fees are due at specific intervals after the patent grant: “Three years and 6 months after grant, $980.” “Seven years and 6 months after grant, $2,480.” “Eleven years and 6 months after grant, $4,110.” These fees are crucial for maintaining the validity of a patent throughout its term. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 9 rules Collapse Correspondence Address and Powers of Attorney Must Be Updated Post-Issuance MPEP 2501 Service to Patent Owner Must Use Correspondence Address MPEP 2208 Recommended Correct Correspondence Address for Patent Owners MPEP 2222 Correct Address for Patent Reexamination Communications MPEP 2222 Papers for Patent Records Must Meet Specific Standards MPEP 2250 Required Proper Amendment Manner for Patent Owner MPEP 2250 Permitted Office Correspondence to Patent Owner MPEP 2804 Correct Correspondence Address for Patent Owners MPEP 2805 Patent Correspondence Must Go to Designated Address MPEP 2542 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Do design or plant patents require maintenance fees? Is there a grace period for paying maintenance fees? How does late payment of maintenance fees affect others&#8217; rights? What happens if I miss the maintenance fee payment and grace period? What are intervening rights in reinstated patents?