USA

In the United States, patent renewal fees are only payable after the patent is granted and is milestone-based, with fees due at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years after the patent is granted. The fees increase with the age of the patent, ranging from about $800 for the first annuity to $3,080 for the last renewal and the costs get doubled for patent owners with more than 500 employees (also called large entity payers). The USPTO provides a six-month grace period for late payments but with an additional surcharge.

Europe

The European Patent Office (EPO) requires annual renewal fees for both pending applications. These fees are due each year, starting from the second year after the filing date and increase progressively. Paying these fees during the application phase can add significant costs, particularly if the grant process is lengthy. After grant and validation, the renewals are paid yearly in each validated country or per unified patent route.

Israel

• In Israel, the patent maintenance fees for the first six years are to be paid within three months from the publication of the Grant by the Israeli Patent Office.

• The subsequent patent maintenance fees are payable every 4 years, with the deadline for payment being the anniversary of the patent application filing date.

Additional Countries with Post-Grant Payment Systems

Some countries, such as Korea, Japan, Mexico, and India, require renewal fees only after the patent has been granted, reducing costs during the patent examination process compared to Europe.

Strategies for Managing Renewal Payments:​

• Portfolio Prioritization: Regularly review your patent portfolio to identify key patents and consider discontinuing less important ones. This focuses resources on patents that are vital to your business.  Portfolio prioritization helps manage renewal payments by ensuring you’re only paying to keep the patents that really matter to your business. It’s like spring cleaning your patent closet! This way, you save costs, keep your patent collection aligned with your business goals, and avoid the headache of managing a bulky, less relevant portfolio. In short, it’s about being smart with your renewals, keeping the winners, and letting go of the rest.

• IP Management Software: Utilize software solutions to track renewal deadlines and fees across jurisdictions, reducing administrative burdens and risk of accidental lapses.

• Reliable Renewal Agencies or Patent Attorneys: Teaming up with trusted professionals in patent renewals can make a huge difference. These experts keep track of deadlines, handle the paperwork, and offer strategic advice, ensuring that your renewal process is smooth and error-free. It’s like having a GPS for your patent journey – they guide you through the complexities, help you make informed decisions, and keep you on the right path. This partnership not only saves you time and stress but also brings peace of mind knowing that your valuable patents are in good hands.