Patent Maintenance
After being granted a patent, it's crucial to maintain it by paying annual maintenance fees. Failure to do so could result in the patent lapsing and the loss of protection for the invention
After being granted a patent, it's crucial to maintain it by paying annual maintenance fees. Failure to do so could result in the patent lapsing and the loss of protection for the invention
How it works
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Within minutes, create a request with an AI assistant and receive offers from dozens of local IP attorneys
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Review offers, compare them, and select the most suitable option. Complete your transaction securely
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Stay informed on the progress and communicate with your attorney through the platform until the process is complete
Patent Maintenance
From $250 + govt fees from $300
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An AI-powered IP assistant that helps you create a detailed assignment within minutes.
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Selection of the most suitable local patent attorney based on specific criteria.
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Preparing the documents for patent maintenance and handling government fees.
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Online monitoring and reporting on the platform throughout the entire process.
Why iPNOTE?
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More than 800 IP law firms from 150+ countries, ranking and reviews
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An AI-powered IP assistant that helps create tasks and find relevant attorneys
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Flat fees, secure and fast online payments with guaranteed results
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24/7 access to the registration process and online data storage for all your cases
Our clients
Testimonials
Chris
Raylightenergy, China
Wow, what a great service and you will find that the providers are much cheaper than goig direct. All the attorneys are screened and verified so no need to wonder if you are buying a legitimate service. Have used twice so far and will use it again.
Maria
Sherridge, UK
At a glance iPNOTE is a platform designed for professionals. But at the same time they have so helpful customer support that got me through all stages literally by hand. Being client oriented is a relic feature for modern digital services that trying to automate almost each step.
Jeffrey
Tyan Group LLC, USA
First time going through them and they did not disappoint! I got my trademarked filed right away, and Ian clearly explained everything to me! Great service and fair price!! Plan on using them again!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is patent maintenance?
Patent maintenance refers to the ongoing process of keeping a granted patent in force by paying periodic fees, known as maintenance fees, annuities, or renewal fees, depending on the jurisdiction.
Are maintenance fees required in every country?
Yes, nearly all countries require some form of maintenance or renewal fees to keep a patent in force. However, the timing, amount, and rules for payment vary significantly by country.
When do maintenance fees need to be paid?
In most countries, maintenance fees are due annually after the patent is granted. In some jurisdictions, such as the United States, fees are due at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years from the date of grant. In Europe, annuities are due annually from the filing date, even before grant.
What happens if I miss a maintenance fee deadline?
If you miss a maintenance fee deadline, the patent may lapse or expire. Some countries offer a grace period during which you can still pay the fee with a surcharge. After that, reinstatement may be possible in limited circumstances, but it often requires a justification and additional fees.
How much do patent maintenance fees cost?
Costs vary widely by jurisdiction and by the age of the patent. Fees typically increase over time. For example, annual fees in some developing countries may be under $100, while in places like the U.S., EU, or Japan, later-stage fees can run into several hundred or even thousands of dollars.
Who is responsible for paying maintenance fees?
The patent owner is responsible for ensuring timely payment. Many patent owners use IP service providers or agents to monitor and handle payments, especially when managing portfolios in multiple countries.
Can I pay maintenance fees for multiple patents at once?
Yes, in many countries and through many IP service platforms, bulk payments for multiple patents are possible, which is especially useful for corporate patent portfolios.
Do I need to pay maintenance fees for a PCT (international) application?
No maintenance fees are required during the international phase of a PCT application. However, once the application enters the national phase in individual countries, each country’s maintenance or annuity rules will apply separately.
Get all necessary information about working on the iPNOTE platform
Global Insights into Patent Renewal and Maintenance Services
In today’s fast-evolving technological world, ensuring the long-term protection of intellectual property is crucial. One of the essential aspects of this process is patent renewal, which refers to the regular payments made to keep a granted inventioin in force. Missing a continuation deadline can result in the loss of exclusive rights, which may severely impact a business or individual’s innovation strategy.
Understanding how preservation works across different countries can be a challenging task. Each jurisdiction has its own rules, deadlines, and fees associated with keeping inventions active. Therefore, having a clear strategy for managing continuation worldwide is vital for companies and inventors seeking to protect their rights globally.
The Importance of Patent Renewal in Global IP Strategy
Maintenance ensures that an invention continues to provide legal protection for an invention. After it is granted, it does not stay valid indefinitely. Depending on the country, continuation — also called annuities in some regions — must be paid annually or at other regular intervals. This not only sustains the legal effect of the invention but also shows the ongoing value of the invention to its owner.
Failing to renew an invention on time may result in automatic lapse, making the invention accessible to competitors. For multinational businesses, aligning with a reliable service can eliminate the risks associated with managing multiple deadlines across various jurisdictions. A knowledgeable agent with global experience can streamline this process and help reduce costs in the long term.
Key Considerations for Annuity Worldwide
Managing continuation in multiple countries means handling various fee structures, legal procedures, and timelines. Here are some of the most important aspects to keep in mind:
1. Varying Costs and Deadlines
The cost differs significantly by country. For example, fees may increase over time in jurisdictions like the European Union or Japan. In contrast, some countries maintain fixed fees. Also, the due dates can vary—from the date of filing, grant, or publication—making it necessary to monitor each country individually.
2. Online Management Tools
Modern businesses benefit from platforms that automate and simplify the process. These tools help track upcoming deadlines, generate alerts, and manage payments — all from a central dashboard. This digital approach significantly reduces the risk of human error and improves operational efficiency.
3. Engaging Experienced Providers
Collaborating with a professional attorney is one of the most effective ways to ensure accuracy. These providers understand the intricacies of local regulations and provide strategic guidance tailored to each region's requirements. A seasoned partner can act as a single point of contact for global continuation.
Key Steps in Rights Extension
To successfully manage global portfolios, it is critical to follow a structured process. Below is a checklist to guide companies through effective rights extension:
- Identify deadlines and calculate fees
- Analyze the cost-benefit of each decision
- Evaluate whether the invention is still valuable in the market
- Use a centralized platform for monitoring and payment
- Partner with a trusted provider offering global coverage
- Keep digital and physical records of all activities
- Reassess each country’s legal requirements annually
By following this list, businesses can ensure consistent protection while keeping the administrative burden manageable.
Challenges and Solutions in Maintenance
Handling continuation in-house for a large portfolio may quickly become overwhelming, especially with the added challenge of differing rules between jurisdictions. Penalties for late payments or incorrect filings can lead to unwanted legal disputes or loss of rights. This is why outsourcing to a global provider who specializes in preservation can be a game-changer.
Such providers often have access to proprietary databases and networks of local attorneys who guarantee compliance. Their systems can automatically calculate fees, track changes in regulations, and manage filings with minimal effort from the owner. These solutions not only improve reliability but also help to control administrative costs.
Trends and Future Outlook
As the volume of international filings continues to grow, the trend toward automated, cloud-based management is also rising. Businesses are shifting towards more integrated systems that combine legal compliance with financial planning tools. Rights extension processes are becoming smarter, with AI-driven features predicting value-based continuation strategies.
Moreover, governments and IP offices in many regions are modernizing their systems to support payments and digital notifications. This opens up new opportunities for IP owners to improve efficiency and control.
Conclusion
Rights extension is a critical part of managing intellectual property assets, especially in a globalized market. From understanding charge schedules to navigating country-specific rules, the process demands careful planning and expert oversight. Companies aiming for effective global protection should prioritize working with experienced continuation providers and make use of advanced tools.
Staying informed, proactive, and organized is key to maximizing the lifetime value of any invention. Whether you're a startup or a global enterprise, securing your innovations through proper preservation ensures long-term success in the competitive world of intellectual property.
