What’s Patent Maintenance?
Do you know what patent maintenance is? It’s like taking care of a car so it keeps running. For patents, you pay money to the US Patent Office to keep your patents working. This is important for your business.
When Do You Pay Patent Fees?
You need to pay fees at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years after you get your patent. Remember, each time, the fee gets a bit higher. Don’t miss these dates, or you might lose your patent!
How to Decide if a Patent is Worth It?
How do you know if you should keep a patent? Think about these things:
- Is the patent really important for your business?
- Can the patent make you money?
- Is the patent strong and can you enforce it?
If the answer to all or some of these questions is no, you might consider abandoning the patent to save money on maintenance fees.
A Simple Example About Patent Maintenance:
Imagine a company, let’s call it “TechSmart.” They had a patent for a special way to keep data safe. At first, it didn’t seem super important. But then, keeping data safe became a big deal. Because TechSmart kept their patent, they made lots of money and became famous for their data safety technology. This story shows why keeping your patents can be really good for your business.
Keep Your Patents Safe!
Always remember to pay your patent fees on time. Check the US Patent Office’s website for the latest fee information. And think carefully about which patents are important for your business.
Need Help with Patents?
Do patents seem confusing? Don’t worry, we’re here to help! At ipCapital Group, we know all about patents and can help you make the best choices. Contact us and let’s talk about how to keep your patents safe and good for your business.
Remember: Patents are important. Pay your fees, think about which patents are best for you, and ask for help if you need it. Your patents can help your business be a success!