On September 30, 2016, the USPTO issued a press release seeking comments on proposed patent fee adjustments. The announcement notes that the proposed increases include several PTAB AIA trial fees, "aimed at better aligning these fees with the USPTO's costs and aiding the PTAB to continue to meet required AIA deadlines." The USPTO also notes that even with these increases, which the Office says are generally at or below their costs, AIA trials will remain considerably less expensive than traditional litigation.
Some examples of AIA increases include:
Inter Partes Review Request Fee – up to 20 Claims
increases to $14,000 (+$5,000)
Inter Partes Review Post-Institution Fee – Up to 15 Claims
increases to $16,500 (+$2,500)
Post-Grant or Covered Business Method Review Request Fee – Up
to 20 Claims increases to $16,000 (+$4,000)
Post-Grant or Covered Business Method Review Post-Institution Fee
– Up to 15 Claims increases to $22,000 (+$4,000)
The window for public comments closes on December 2, 2016.
The USPTO announcement can be found here: Link
The Federal Register notice can be found here: Link
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