What is the significance of the June 8, 1995 date for plant patent maintenance fees?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 10 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. The date June 8, 1995, is significant for plant patent maintenance fees due to changes in patent law. According to MPEP 2504 : “ Plant patents which issue from applications filed on or after June 8, 1995 are subject to payment of maintenance fees. “ This date marks a crucial distinction in the treatment of plant patents: Plant patents from applications filed before June 8, 1995, are not subject to maintenance fees Plant patents from applications filed on or after June 8, 1995, are subject to maintenance fees The change was implemented as part of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act, which brought U.S. patent law into compliance with the TRIPS Agreement. This date is essential for plant patent holders to determine whether they have maintenance fee obligations. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Requirement for Payment of Maintenance Fees on Reissue Patents and Original Utility Patent MPEP 2504 Required Payment of Maintenance Fees for Reissued Utility Patents MPEP 2504 Maintenance Fees Not Required for Plant and Design Patents MPEP 2504 Required Requirement for Separate Payment of Maintenance Fee on Reissue Patents MPEP 2504 Required Reissue Patent Maintenance Fees Must Be Paid In Latest Reissue MPEP 2504 Required Application Filing Date Determines Maintenance Fee Payment MPEP 2504 Application Filing Date for Maintenance Fees MPEP 2504 International Filing Date as U.S. Filing Date MPEP 2504 Reissue Patents Require Maintenance Fees Unless Original Did Not MPEP 2504 Required Maintenance Fee Required for Each Reissued Patent MPEP 2504 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What happens if a maintenance fee is not paid on time? What are the exceptions to maintena...