In a recent post on fee sensitivity, many readers commented that (1) applicants pay for their own examination through the examination fees; and (2) the PTO should not change fees in order to influence patent applicant behavior. [FEE SENSITVITY]. Although the PTO is fully funded by the fees it charges, a good percentage of current examination costs are paid through maintenance fees. Those fees are currently $980 at 3.5 years after issuance; $2,480 at 7.5 years; and $4,110 at 11.5 years.
