USPTO reveals 2013 fee changes

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Gardens, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2026

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

USPTO reveals 2013 fee changes

The USPTO has published new fees, most of which come into force on March 19

The changes will see reductions to the basic filing fee for utility patents (down to $280 from $380 for large entities) and design patents (reduced from $250 to $180).

Issue fees will be reduced and the $300 publication fee will be abolished in January 2014.

But maintenance fees are being increased, by between 26% and 56%.

There are also changes to claim fees, RCE fees, appeals, ex parte re-examination and inter partes reviews.

The fee changes result from the America Invents Act, which requires the USPTO to recover sufficient fees to cover its costs.

The agency proposed fee rules in September last year, and has reduced some fees in response to feedback received since then.

There are discounts for small and micro entities of up to 75% on many fees.

The full list of new fees is available on the USPTO website. Dennis Crouch on Patently O has summarised the major changes.

more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

Via Licensing Alliance continues its China push as another smartphone manufacturer joins patent pool as licensee
Law firm mergers have the potential to reshape IP teams, and partners who were at the coalface of previous tie-ups say early coordination and flexibility can make the difference
Women are entering the IP profession, but still too few are being trusted with the clients, cases, and credit that may open the path to leadership
In other news, Australia’s IP office has announced expanded search options, and an EPO report shed light on slow progress relating to women inventors in Europe
Managing IP speaks with up-and-coming women lawyers at five law firms about fighting imposter syndrome, maintaining work-life balance and why real representation matters
Kilpatrick’s managing partner for San Francisco discusses taking the longer route to partnership, the importance of female mentors, and strengthening office culture
Home-working and grace periods at IP offices have been announced, while Managing IP understands Iran’s IP office is out of service
With INTA 2026 just two months away, London-based IP practitioners offer tips on making the most out of the city
New platform, which covers SEPs for the Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 standards, includes 10 patent owners
The Texas-based IP litigation hires take King & Spalding’s partner appointments from pre-merger Winston & Strawn up to 12 this year
Gift this article