IP FINANCIAL FRIDAY
28 APRIL, 2023
WORLD IP DAY WRAPS UP
We’re still recovering from IP Day parties, but a lot is happening in IP right now – so we’re powering through. This year’s theme was “Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity.” It’s the 21st century, but only 13% of inventors on US patents are women. Come on, people, let’s fix that!
PROPOSED USPTO FEE INCREASES
The USPTO is opening up commentary on proposed fee increases. They have to do it (silly laws), but how many people will say, “it’s about time; we thought the fees were way too low”?
Here’s a snapshot of some of the proposed updates (large entity): Application fees: Each claim greater than 20, from $100 to $200 Application fees: Each independent claim > 3, from $480 to $600 Maintenance fees: 3.5 years, from $2,000 to $2,100 Maintenance fees: 7.5 years, from $3,760 to $3,950 Maintenance fees: 11.5 years, from $7,700 to $8,085
Post Issuance: Terminal disclaimer filed in a patented case: From $170 to $1400
Full details can be found here: https://bit.ly/44euC6k
NEW E-BILLING CODES FOR IP
The introduction of LEDES and UTBMS codes (a long time ago) kicked off the modern era of e-billing, introducing structure and standardization to legal invoices.
Unfortunately, the initial implementation worked well for general legal but wasn’t as well suited to the complexities of IP.
Fortunately, this week, the IP world got good news: new patent-specific UTBMS codes have been ratified, making it easier to codify US patent prosecution. Work is still needed for trademarks and international prosecution – but it’s progress!
Disclaimer
THIS POST IS STRICTLY INFORMATIONAL AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE, AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS LEGAL ADVICE. PLEASE CONSULT A QUALIFIED ATTORNEY FOR SPECIFIC ADVICE REGARDING ANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MATTERS.
