--- title: "Patent maintenance & annuity payments | GTC" description: "Attorney-managed patent maintenance: we docket every annuity deadline, pay maintenance fees on time across jurisdictions, and confirm each payment in writing." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Global Trademark Company LLC", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com", "logo": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/gtc-logo.svg", "description": "Multi-practice IP and business legal firm. Trademarks in 100+ jurisdictions, patents in 10 + PCT, copyrights under Berne. Operating since 2016.", "foundingDate": "2016", "sameAs": [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/globaltrademarkcompany/", "https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co" ], "contactPoint": [ { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+1-510-973-4964", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "US", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+44-7453-347853", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "GB", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+91-6397-329955", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "IN", "availableLanguage": [ "English", "Hindi" ] } ], "address": [ { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "712 H Street NE, Suite 2094", "addressLocality": "Washington", "addressRegion": "DC", "postalCode": "20002", "addressCountry": "US" }, { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "YSC Complex, 4th floor, A-400, 12 Ajit Singh House, Sri Aurobindo Marg", "addressLocality": "New Delhi", "addressRegion": "Delhi", "postalCode": "110016", "addressCountry": "IN" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Service", "name": "Patent Maintenance", "serviceType": "Patent Maintenance and Annuities", "description": "Attorney-managed patent maintenance: we docket every annuity deadline, pay maintenance fees on time across jurisdictions, and confirm each payment in writing.", "provider": { "@type": "LegalService", "name": "Global Trademark Company", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com" }, "offers": { "@type": "Offer", "description": "Flat professional fee per annuity, quoted in writing before any payment. Government and agent fees are separate and passed through at cost." } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Patents & Designs", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/services/patent-filing" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Patent Maintenance", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/services/patent-maintenance" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What happens if a maintenance or annuity fee is missed?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A patent lapses if a required fee is not paid by its deadline. Many offices offer a grace period (the USPTO allows six months with a surcharge) and some allow a later petition to revive, but revival is not guaranteed and can be costly. The reliable protection is to pay on schedule, which is what docketing exists to ensure." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When are USPTO maintenance fees due?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For a US utility patent, maintenance fees are due at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years from the grant date. There is no maintenance fee on US design or plant patents. Most other patent offices charge an annuity each year instead, often starting before grant. We map your specific schedule per jurisdiction." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do small or micro entity discounts apply to me?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "At the USPTO, qualifying small entities pay reduced maintenance fees and micro entities pay less again. Eligibility can change between fee payments, so we confirm your entity status before each payment to apply the correct fee. Other offices have their own reduction schemes where applicable." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can you handle annuities across several countries?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. We coordinate maintenance and annuity payments across the major jurisdictions where your patents are granted, working through the relevant offices and local agents, and keep the whole portfolio on one docket with one point of contact." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the government and agent fees, and how are they billed?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Each office sets its own maintenance or annuity fee, and some jurisdictions require a local agent to file the payment. Those official and agent fees are separate from our professional fee and are passed through at cost. We confirm every amount in writing before any payment is made." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can you take over maintenance for patents another firm filed?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. You do not need to have filed through us. Send the patent details and we pull the official register, build the deadline schedule, and take over docketing and payment from the next due fee onward." } } ], "dateModified": "2026-08-28" } ] --- [![](/branding/logos/gtc-logo-stacked.svg)![](/branding/logos/gtc-logo-stacked-white.svg)](/) - Trademarks - Patents - Copyrights - Data Privacy - Business Legal - [Pricing](/pricing) - Resources - Company Sign inEN · USD Sign in 1. [Home](/) 2. › 3. [Patents & Designs](/services/patent-filing) 4. › 5. Patent maintenance Patent annuities + maintenance fees # Keep your granted patent in force, never miss an annuity. A granted patent lapses unless its maintenance and annuity fees are paid on schedule. We docket every deadline, pay each fee on time across jurisdictions, and confirm the payment in writing. One missed window can abandon the patent for good. From $349 . Flat professional fee per annuity, quoted before any payment. [Set Up Patent Maintenance](/forms/catalog/patents-designs/patent-maintenance?ref=b2c) [Excellent ![](/branding/trustpilot/stars-4.5.svg)Trustpilot ](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co) ![GTC patent team docketing a patent annuity deadline on a renewal calendar](/img/home/hero-library/m-team-china-office-480.jpg) Renewals tracked Every jurisdiction Fees paid On time, in full Rights kept alive No lapse ![](/assets/rajat-DY_holn9.webp)![](/assets/maryam-DlkVg4RT.webp)![](/assets/snehaja-WDgbdU0E.webp) Legal team GTC's patent team Patent counsel ![](/assets/rajat-DY_holn9.webp)![](/assets/maryam-DlkVg4RT.webp)![](/assets/snehaja-WDgbdU0E.webp) Legal team GTC's patent team Patent counsel 1,612+ patents 10,924+ clients 11 attorneys 10+ years IIPLA Top IP Consultancy 2026 [Upwork · Top Rated Plus ](https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/zamanzaidi) Trusted by founders and brands worldwide ![Atlys](/assets/atlys-B5BookJo.webp "Atlys")![Perfora](/assets/perfora-D4_346Y2.webp "Perfora")![Soxco](/assets/soxco-D31kWMAz.webp "Soxco")![BossCare](data:image/webp;base64,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 "BossCare")![Innovist](/assets/innovist-BgYdG_yd.webp "Innovist")![Bacardi](/assets/bacardi-JU27gvk6.webp "Bacardi")![Footcare Lab](/assets/footcarelab-BLfB0WJu.webp "Footcare Lab")![Bare Anatomy](/assets/bare-anatomy-CBhgu9Ro.webp "Bare Anatomy")![Freedom](/assets/freedom-confectionery-HioHiGYc.webp "Freedom") How it works ## Three steps to a docketed annuity schedule. 1 ### Send us the patent Share the patent number, grant date, and jurisdiction. We pull the official register, confirm the entity status, and map every upcoming maintenance and annuity deadline. 2 ### We docket every deadline Each fee due date goes into our docketing system with reminders set well ahead of the window. You approve the schedule and we hold the dates so nothing slips. 3 ### We pay and confirm We pay each maintenance or annuity fee on time through the relevant office or local agent, then send written confirmation with the official receipt for your records. What it costs ## Flat professional fee per annuity payment. Patent Maintenance starts from $349. You pay a flat professional fee per maintenance or annuity payment, quoted in writing before any work. Government and local-agent fees vary by jurisdiction and entity status and are passed through at cost. We confirm every amount before paying. Portfolio and multi-year schedules are quoted on request. What's included - Official register pulled and every maintenance / annuity deadline mapped - Each due date docketed with reminders set well ahead of the window - Entity-status (small / micro) check before each USPTO payment - Fee and amount confirmed in writing before any payment - Payment made on time through the relevant office or local agent - Official receipt and written confirmation after each payment - One point of contact across your whole patent portfolio Single annuity / maintenance payment From $349 + official fees Multi-year or portfolio schedule Quoted on request Government maintenance / annuity fees and any local-agent fees are separate and passed through at cost. Amounts are confirmed in writing before any payment is made. Get started ### Set up patent maintenance Send us your patent details and our team will map every annuity deadline, quote the per-payment fee, and put the schedule on our docket. A missed maintenance or annuity fee can permanently abandon a granted patent. If a deadline is close, tell us in the form so we can prioritise it. [Start Now](/forms/catalog?subcategory=patent-maintenance&ref=b2c) Why GTC ## The cheapest insurance for a granted patent. ![](/assets/rajat-DY_holn9.webp)![](/assets/maryam-DlkVg4RT.webp)![](/assets/snehaja-WDgbdU0E.webp) Legal team GTC's patent team Patent counsel Attorney-led prosecution ### Every deadline docketed USPTO maintenance fees fall due at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years; most other offices charge annual annuities. We track each one and pay ahead of the window. ### Paid across jurisdictions One file, one point of contact. We coordinate maintenance and annuity payments across your portfolio through the relevant offices and local agents. ### Written confirmation After each payment we send the official receipt and a confirmation, so your records show every annuity paid and the patent in force. ### Entity status checked USPTO fees scale with small and micro entity status. We confirm your status before each payment so you pay the correct fee, not more. Your Customer Success Team ## A dedicated team that owns your matter from start to finish. Every GTC client gets a dedicated Account Manager and a Senior Account Manager who learn your business and stay with you from first email to final filing. They are named people who pick up the phone and already know your matter, so every step moves forward without delay. ### Your Account Manager Your day-to-day point of contact, who coordinates every matter, keeps things moving, and already knows your file. They have your full history, so you start every conversation where the last one left off. ### Your Senior Account Manager Senior oversight on strategy and escalations, stepping in as your needs grow, so every important detail stays on track. A named person, on email or a call, at every step. ![Your dedicated GTC Customer Success Team](/assets/m-onboarding-bright-welcome-C-heDolY.jpg) How we compare ## Keeping a patent in force? Here's what sets GTC apart. What you get GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself Attorney-supervised docketing of every annuity deadline Written confirmation and official receipt after each payment Entity-status (small / micro) check before each USPTO payment Coordinated payments across jurisdictions from one file Early reminders well ahead of each due window Pays the maintenance / annuity fee on schedule Attorney-supervised docketing of every annuity deadline GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself Written confirmation and official receipt after each payment GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself Entity-status (small / micro) check before each USPTO payment GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself Coordinated payments across jurisdictions from one file GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself Early reminders well ahead of each due window GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself Pays the maintenance / annuity fee on schedule GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself The timeline ## From sending us the patent to a maintained portfolio. Maintenance is a long game measured in years, not weeks. Here's how the cycle runs once your patent is on our docket, and where you stay in control. 1. Week 1 ### Onboarding You send the patent details; we pull the official register, confirm entity status, and map every maintenance and annuity deadline into a schedule for your approval. 2. Ongoing ### Docket and monitor Each due date sits in our docketing system with reminders. We watch for fee changes and status changes so the schedule stays accurate over the life of the patent. 3. Ahead of each due date ### Reminder and approval Well before a window opens we remind you, confirm the fee and entity status, and get your go-ahead to pay. 4. On payment ### Pay and confirm We pay the fee on time through the office or local agent and send the official receipt with written confirmation that the patent remains in force. In their words ## All your legal, in one place. One accountable team across every practice, operating since 2016. [Excellent ![](/branding/trustpilot/stars-4.5.svg)Trustpilot ](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co) 1,612+ Patents prosecuted 10,924+ Clients served 11 In-house attorneys 10+ Years since 2016 Patent Maintenance FAQ ## Frequently asked questions What happens if a maintenance or annuity fee is missed? A patent lapses if a required fee is not paid by its deadline. Many offices offer a grace period (the USPTO allows six months with a surcharge) and some allow a later petition to revive, but revival is not guaranteed and can be costly. The reliable protection is to pay on schedule, which is what docketing exists to ensure. When are USPTO maintenance fees due? Do small or micro entity discounts apply to me? Can you handle annuities across several countries? What are the government and agent fees, and how are they billed? Can you take over maintenance for patents another firm filed? [Set Up Patent Maintenance](/forms/catalog/patents-designs/patent-maintenance?ref=b2c) Related patent services ## Maintenance is one part of owning a patent. Keeping the patent in force protects the asset. Here's what else we handle around it. [ ### File a patent Draft and file a utility patent in any major jurisdiction, with prosecution handled end to end. See filing ](/services/patent-filing)[ ### License a patent Turn a granted patent into revenue with a drafted, negotiated licensing agreement. See licensing ](/services/patent-licensing) Keep the patent you worked to earn in force. ## Ready when you are. Send us the patent details. We'll map every maintenance and annuity deadline, confirm the per-payment fee in writing, and put the schedule on our docket so nothing slips. 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