Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30
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.
Topics:
MPEP 2500 – Maintenance Fees
MPEP 2501 – Introduction
Patent Law
Patent Procedure