The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) provided the USPTO with new fee-setting authority. The authority specifically permits the USPTO to set fees to recover the cost of patent operations, reduce the current patent application backlog, decrease patent application pendency, improve patent quality, and upgrade infrastructure. The Office also has interpreted the authority as permitting it to set fees to further key policy considerations, such as fostering innovation, encouraging activities by applicants to improve the operation of the patent system and providing flexible and cost-effective options for seeking patent protection. After a lengthy process involving notice of proposed new fees, public hearings and opportunities for public comment, the USPTO recently published its final rules on fees: Patent Fees Final Rule (78 Fed. Reg. 4212, January 18, 2013). Most of the fee changes are effective on March 19, 2013.
In addition to expanding the number of fees that are reduced 50% for small entities, the Office also introduced the fee schedule for micro entities. Micro entities fees are reduced 75%. Fees for large entities have mostly increased, with some notable exceptions. Some of the highlights are identified below.
Reducing Basic Front-End Fees
Many fees for items early in the patenting process have been reduced as shown below:
*These new fees go into effect on Jan. 14, 2014.
There are some exceptions to this. For example, the fee for examination of a utility application has been increased from $250 to $720.
Increasing Basic Back-End Fees
Many fees for items late in the patenting process have been increased as shown below
New or Post-Grant Proceedings
Initial fees set last year for the new or post-grant proceedings have been reduced or modified. For example, the fee for a request for ex parte reexamination has been reduced by $5,750. Fees for inter partes review, post-grant review and covered business method patent review have been reduced by 15% and modified so that the fees will be staged and based on the number of claims.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss how the AIA legislation may impact you, please contact your attorney at Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione or visit the Patent Reform section of our website at www.usebrinks.com.
This article is intended to provide information of general interest to the public and is not intended to offer legal advice about specific situations or problems. Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione does not intend to create an attorney-client relationship by offering this information and review of the information shall not be deemed to create such a relationship. You should consult a lawyer if you have a legal matter requiring attention. For further information, please contact a Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione lawyer.
