Patent Reform Ushers in Higher Patent Fees
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Yesterday, the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (PTO) published a revised fee schedule, which reflects a 15% increase in many fees required to be paid by users of PTO patent-related services. On and after September 26, 2011, the basic filing fee for a utility patent application, for example, will increase from $330 to $380. Mandated by Section 11(i) of the America Invents Act of 2011 (AIA; H.R. 1249; Public Law 112-29), the so-called "surcharge" fees are intended to make the PTO more "efficient and productive" by allowing it to set its own fees and use all fees collected for agency operating purposes. For more on the PTO's fee changes, see the public announcement here.
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