What is true about the maintenance fee for Design and Plant patents?

Design and Plant patents do not require maintenance fees, which is an important distinction from Utility patents. Maintenance fees are only applicable to Utility patents to keep the patent in force after certain periods of time, typically due at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years after issuance. In contrast, the absence of a maintenance fee requirement for Design and Plant patents means that once these patents are granted, they remain in force for their maximum term without needing additional payments.

This key understanding helps in recognizing the different regulatory requirements for maintaining different types of patents, particularly the streamlined process for maintaining Design and Plant patents compared to Utility patents. As a result, once the patent is granted, holders of Design and Plant patents can focus on using and enforcing their patents without the concern of periodic maintenance fees.