Which patents are subject to 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. Maintenance fees are required for utility patents based on applications filed on or after December 12, 1980. As stated in MPEP 2504 : “Maintenance fees are required to be paid in all patents based on applications filed on or after December 12, 1980, except as noted in paragraph (b) of this section, to maintain a patent in force beyond 4, 8 and 12 years after the date of grant.” Plant patents and design patents are exempt from maintenance fees. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Maintenance Fees Required for Patents Filed After December 1980 MPEP 2504 Required Maintenance Fees Not Required for Plant and Design Patents MPEP 2504 Required Maintenance Fee Required for Each Reissued Patent MPEP 2504 Maintenance Fees for Reissued Patents and Originals Still Pending MPEP 2504 Reissue Patents Require Maintenance Fees Unless Original Did Not MPEP 2504 Required Separate Payment Required for Each Reissued Patent MPEP 2504 Required Requirement for Payment of Maintenance Fees on Reissue Patents and Original Utility Patent MPEP 2504 Required Time Periods for Paying Maintenance Fees in Reissue Patents MPEP 2504 Reissue Patent Maintenance Fees Must Be Paid In Latest Reissue MPEP 2504 Required Maintenance Fees Without Surcharge During Specific Periods After Grant MPEP 2504 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What happens if a maintenance fee is not paid on time? What are the exceptions to maintenance fee requirements for patents? What is the significance of the June 8, 1995 date for plant patent maintenance fees? Are maintenance fees required for all types of patents? How is the patent term affected by maintenance fees?