What is the maintenance fee schedule for Utility patents?

The maintenance fee schedule for utility patents is established by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and requires payment at specific intervals after the patent has been granted to keep it in force. For utility patents, the required maintenance fees are due at 3.5 years, 7.5 years, and 11.5 years post-issuance of the patent.

This schedule allows the patent holder to maintain their patent rights, ensuring that the inventors can enjoy the benefits of their inventions for a longer duration, as fees must be paid at these designated times. If the fees are not paid, the patent could lapse, resulting in a loss of patent rights.

The other options proposed do not align with the established schedule by the USPTO, and thus they do not reflect the correct timing for the maintenance fees associated with utility patents. Understanding this schedule is crucial for patent holders to ensure they remain in compliance and retain their intellectual property rights.