What is a patent annuity payment?

A patent annuity payment, also called a patent renewal fee or patent maintenance fee, means paying to keep a granted patent in force in a given country or region. Without these payments, the patent will lapse, and anyone could freely use the invention.

In most countries, patent renewal fees are due annually for up to 20 years, which is the typical maximum lifespan of a patent. The exact amount and timing of payments vary by jurisdiction and by how long the patent has been in force. Early years tend to be less expensive, while fees often increase in later years. In some jurisdictions, like the United States, payments are due less frequently, typically every 4 years.

Managing patent annuity payments correctly is critical, especially for companies with large portfolios across multiple countries. Missing a single deadline can permanently result in the loss of valuable patent rights.

In certain cases, a patent’s protection can extend beyond 20 years through mechanisms like a Supplementary Protection Certificate (SPC), commonly used for pharmaceuticals and other regulated products.