Do design or plant patents require maintenance fees?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-29 2 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. No, design and plant patents do not require maintenance fees. The MPEP 2501 clearly states: “No fee may be established for maintaining a design or plant patent in force.” This means that once a design or plant patent is granted, it remains in force for its full term without the need for periodic maintenance fee payments, unlike utility patents. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 2 rules Collapse Correspondence Address and Powers of Attorney Must Be Updated Post-Issuance MPEP 2501 Patent Correspondence Must Go to Designated Address MPEP 2542 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse 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 maintenance fees for patents? What are intervening rights in reinstated patents?