Introduction
Recently, multiple countries and regions have intensively adjusted their patent and trademark official fees. From significant increases in the United States and Brazil to notable reductions in Uzbekistan, each change has captured the attention of innovators. These adjustments are not random; they are the result of multiple intersecting factors. Today, we delve into the underlying logic behind these fee changes to help you decode the "cost dynamics" within the intellectual property landscape.
01 The Ripple Effects of Inflation
Amid global inflationary pressures, the operational costs of intellectual property offices continue to rise. For instance, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) explicitly stated that the primary reason for its recent fee increase is "higher-than-expected inflation leading to a substantial rise in operating costs." From salary increases for examiners to hardware investments in database maintenance, and even material costs for processing paper documents, every expense has been amplified by inflation.
This pressure is even more pronounced in developing countries. Brazil’s National Institute of Industrial Property (BRPTO) raised its official fees by an average of 24.1%, with trademark opposition application fees surging by as much as 46.5%—a direct reflection of Brazil’s persistently high inflation rate in recent years. Similarly, Egypt’s decision to double patent examination fees from 25,000 to 50,000 Egyptian pounds is closely tied to local currency depreciation and rising prices.
02 Surge in Examination Workload and Cost Restructuring
As global innovation activities intensify, the volume of patent and trademark applications has exploded. Data from the USPTO shows that design patent applications have grown by more than 150% since 2014, meaning examiners now handle exponentially more documents and communications. To cover these additional examination costs, the USPTO not only increased fees related to design patents but also introduced higher charges for "excess claims"—doubling the fee for claims exceeding 20 from $100 to $200 per claim. This is essentially a cost compensation mechanism for the additional resources consumed by complex applications.
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has followed a similar logic. It now charges a uniform fee of €125 for each design in a series starting from the second design, eliminating discounts for more than 11 designs. This is because, as the number of designs increases, examiners must compare similarities and assess originality on a case-by-case basis, meaning marginal costs do not decrease with volume.
03 Proactive Adjustments to Align with International Rules
Uzbekistan’s fee reform follows a completely different logic—reducing fees for overseas applicants by an average of 75% and standardizing fee structures for domestic and international applicants. The core of this move is to comply with the WTO’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and eliminate "discriminatory fees."
As an important economy in Central Asia, Uzbekistan is actively integrating into the global intellectual property system. By lowering cost barriers for international applicants, it aims to attract global innovation resources. This "fee-driven flow" strategy echoes China’s approach after joining the WTO, when it reduced patent application fees for foreign entities to enhance international competitiveness through institutional alignment.
04 Recommended Strategies
1. Plan Applications in Advance
For companies and individuals planning to apply for patents or trademarks in the United States, Brazil, or other countries, it is advisable to plan ahead. For example, if you have cases in Brazil with renewal or annuity deadlines after August 7, 2025, consider completing the procedures before the fee increase. Similarly, for trademark information changes, submit amendments promptly to avoid higher costs after new fees take effect. In the U.S., consider filing continuation applications strategically—e.g., through parallel rather than sequential submissions—to avoid new time-based fee increases while advancing the examination of the entire patent family.
2. Optimize Application Documents
Given the new volume-based fees for Information Disclosure Statements (IDS) in the U.S., applicants should more critically evaluate the materiality and cumulative nature of prior art references. Avoid submitting extensive IDS materials to reduce costs. When preparing patent or trademark applications, ensure accuracy and completeness to minimize additional fees and examination delays caused by documentation issues.
3. Stay Informed About Policy Developments
Continuously monitor policy updates from intellectual property offices worldwide to stay informed about fee adjustments and other relevant changes. Utilize official websites, social media channels, and professional IP news platforms for the latest information. Maintain close communication with specialized IP agencies to adjust your intellectual property strategy promptly in response to policy changes.
Conclusion
From these changes, it is clear that official fees are no longer merely "administrative charges" but important tools for countries to regulate their intellectual property ecosystems. For businesses and innovators, understanding fee changes goes beyond "calculating costs." It requires grasping the underlying policy logic—anticipating cost fluctuations during inflationary cycles and seizing opportunities amid regulatory adjustments. Only then can intellectual property protection be both "affordable" and "worthwhile."
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