How to keep track of IP maintenance fees
Learn how to keep track of patent and trademark maintenance fees. Avoid missed deadlines, protect your intellectual property, and safeguard your brand with Lin IP, LLC.
Are you an inventor or entrepreneur juggling multiple responsibilities while trying to protect your intellectual property? Missing a patent or trademark maintenance fee can mean losing valuable rights, costing you years of hard work and financial investment. With deadlines spread out over time and complex renewal rules, staying on top of everything can be overwhelming.
Here are some strategies to help you stay organized and avoid unnecessary lapses.
1. Use the USPTO's Systems
Patent Maintenance Fees Storefront: For plant or design patents, there are no maintenance fees to be paid! For utility patents, the USPTO provides an online payment portal where you can check due dates and pay maintenance fees for U.S. patents. Check out USPTO Maintenance Fees Portal: https://fees.uspto.gov/MaintenanceFees/
Trademark Docketing and Reminders: The USPTO sends reminders for trademark renewal deadlines, but you should still track them independently here: https://tsdr.uspto.gov/
2. Set Up a Docketing System
Software Solutions Commercial docketing systems like Clio, Alt Legal, PATTSY, Anaqua, or CPI provide automated reminders and tracking for maintenance deadlines.Some patent analytics tools like LexisNexis PatentOptimizer or IPfolio also include maintenance fee tracking features.
Spreadsheet Tracking If you prefer a manual and free approach, maintain an Excel or Google Sheets document with key details: Patent/trademark numberMaintenance/renewal fee due datesJurisdiction (for international filings)Payment status. Use conditional formatting to highlight approaching deadlines.
3. Calendar Alerts
Set up reminders in Google Calendar, Outlook, or Apple Calendar with multiple notifications (e.g., 6 months, 3 months, and 1 month before due dates).
Consider a shared calendar if managing for a firm or business.
4. Outsourcing to an IP Management Service
Companies like Clarivate, Dennemeyer, CPA Global, and Anaqua specialize in monitoring and paying maintenance fees for large portfolios.
Law firms also offer docketing and renewal management services.
5. USPTO Private PAIR and MyUSPTO Account
If you're a registered user, you can use Patent Center to check the maintenance fee status of patents.
MyUSPTO allows setting up alerts for trademark maintenance deadlines.
6. International Patent and Trademark Renewals
For PCT applications and foreign patents, check with WIPO’s PATENTSCOPE or national patent offices.
International trademark renewals under the Madrid System can be tracked through WIPO’s e-Renewal Service.
Properly tracking patent and trademark maintenance fees is essential for protecting your intellectual property and avoiding costly lapses. Whether you leverage the USPTO's tools, implement a docketing system, set up calendar alerts, outsource to an IP management service, or utilize international tracking solutions, staying proactive ensures that your rights remain secure. By adopting the right strategy—whether automated or manual—you can focus on innovation and business growth while keeping your IP assets in good standing.
Don’t let a missed deadline put your intellectual property at risk. Contact Lin IP, LLC today by visiting www.liniplaw.com or emailing us at office@liniplaw.com for more information. Let us take care of the details so you can focus on building the future!
