The USPTO issued a Notice yesterday, announcing that fee increases will go into effect on January 19, 2025. Here are the most significant fee changes:

1. 7.5% increase in all PTO fees not specifically (i.e., otherwise) adjusted by the new fee schedule.
2. 10% increase in all filing, search, and examination fees (i.e., when filing the new application/continuation/etc).
3. New $2700 fee for filing an application (i.e., Continuation or Divisional) claiming a benefit date that is more than 6 years prior ($4000 if more than 9 years ago).
4. 25% increase in excess independent claim fee (more than 3 independent claims), 100% increase in excess claim fee (more than 20 claims).
5. New $200 fee for submitting more than 50 IDS references (cumulative in the application), $500 (-$200 if previously paid) for more than 100 references, $800 (-($500+$200) if previously paid) for more than 200 references.
6. 10% increase in first RCE fee ($1360 -> $1500), 43% increase in second+ RCE fee ($2000 -> 2860).

Here is the link for more information: www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/11/20/2024-26821/setting-and-adjusting-patent-fees-during-fiscal-year-2025 

Please contact us at sughrue@sughrue.com if you have any questions about the fee increases.