Renewal fee

Patents do not expire quietly at the end of twenty years. Most of them die much earlier, of neglect.

In simple words

A fee payable to keep a patent in force, due from the expiration of the second year from the date of the patent and each year after that, payable before the year expires.

Think of it as

Rent on the monopoly.

Why it matters

If a renewal is not paid within the period, or within the six-month extension available on request, the patent ceases to have effect. Restoration is possible but is a formal application with evidence, and it is time-limited.

A simple example

A patent granted late can have several years of accrued renewals falling due shortly after grant. There is a specific provision for that situation, but only if someone notices.

Common mistake

Assuming the Patent Office or the agent will always chase you. Renewal management is the patentee's responsibility, and lapses through address changes are common.

Where it comes from

Patents Act 1970, sections 53, 60 and 142(4); Patents Rules 2003, rule 80 including rule 80(1A)