USPTO Eyes Increased TM Fees Amid Inflation, Low Demand

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is contemplating raising trademark fees in 2024 after “lower-than-expected demand” and economic inflation have made the agency’s operating costs exceed its revenue. The agency is proposing fee increases on filings like petitions to the director and letters of protest.

Finnegan associate and former USPTO attorney Daniel Stringer told Law360 that, “Registrations held by international filers and pro se filers are not being renewed as frequently as in the past, while the costs associated with register protection initiatives have increased. Although not explicitly stated, this could materially impact the financial outlook of trademark operations."

He added, "Ideally, the increased fees associated with maintaining registered rights will place the Trademark Office on better financial footing while improving the integrity of the trademark register."

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