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

Nick Redfearn, head of enforcement at Rouse and a classic car enthusiast, explains the sudden viral appearance of classic car restomod parts from China and the impact of IP in this new trade
Our 2026 rankings for Western Europe, taken with historical data, reveal that some European IP markets hardly change – while others are more fluid
Selina Hinchliffe, head of commercial services at Shakespeare Martineau, reflects on rejecting Cambridge, leading through empathy, and why authenticity matters more than fitting in
US corporates are using the UPC, but much of that work still flows to European boutiques. Last week’s merger, as well as others, could alter that dynamic
Publicly listed Australian group IPH delivered on its promise to profoundly shake up the Canadian market. Four years on, rivals have had time to adapt
IP practitioners debate whether new guidelines will make it more difficult to challenge a patent
Varuni Paranavitane says she is excited to bring ‘rounded expertise’ to the firm, which will have a solicitor in its ranks for the first time
Lawyers adapting to AI-driven recommendations are being pushed to demonstrate expertise publicly rather than simply relying on a polished website
Mid-market businesses looking to establish an online presence need ‘holistic’ brand protection services at an accessible cost, according to partners
Our latest update also includes the latest case filing statistics, and an update on how a transatlantic merger could be a UPC opportunity for the US half of the partnership
Gift this article