FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IP renewal fees are charged by intellectual property offices to keep your IP rights in force. The timing and amount depend on the jurisdiction your IP rights are filed in. If renewal fees are not paid, the right will lapse and you may lose the ability to enforce it in that territory.

In most cases, patent renewal fees are due annually. Trade marks are normally due every ten years, and designs every five years. One of the main exceptions is US patents, where renewal fees are due at 3.5, 7.5 and 11.5 years from grant.

Your renewal reminder will explain how to pay. Once we receive your instruction, we will issue an invoice. Payment can then be made by BACS transfer, cheque, or by phone using debit or credit card details.

In many countries, it is still possible to pay during a grace period, although additional fees will apply. If that grace period expires and the fees remain unpaid, you risk losing your IP rights. In some cases, reinstatement may still be possible, but it can be costly and is not guaranteed.

Once your EP case has been validated in your chosen states, you will receive renewal reminders for each territory and fees will be due separately in each territory. You will no longer be able to make a single renewal payment to the European Patent Office.