From the USPTO’s value-tax debate to the EPO’s micro-entity discounts, patent-office fees are the most visible and controllable price signals in the patent system.
Taxes are, of course, a source of revenue for national and local governments, but they can also serve policy objectives by discouraging certain behaviors. In the same way, it is interesting to think of patent filing fees and renewal fees as part of patent policy—tools that can influence what kinds of patents applicants choose to pursue and maintain.
Taxes are, of course, a source of revenue for national and local governments, but they can also serve policy objectives by discouraging certain behaviors. In the same way, it is interesting to think of patent filing fees and renewal fees as part of patent policy—tools that can influence what kinds of patents applicants choose to pursue and maintain.