<html><head></head><body><div class="yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Dear List, </div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">The dreaded fee-increase (e.g. reasonable/small/inflation related increase for most fees, double for extra claims fees, and the 'huge tax' on benefit older benefit claims - up to $4000) will come into effect on Jan 19, 2025.</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">FACT A -> If I file a new application TODAY [Jan 7 2025], and I pay all fees, it does not matter if the USPTO only processes my new filing in February 2025 - I file before Jan 19, 2025 and I enjoy the LOWER rates.</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">FACT B --> If I file a new application on Jan 20, 2025, then I must pay fees at the much higher rates including the double extra-claims fees and (if relevant) the very large surcharge for 'old benefit claim.'</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">MY QUESTION - what if I file a new patent US non-provisional application with 5 independent claims [27 claims total] on Jan 17, 2025 [with oldest benefit claim from 2014] and I do not pay ANY fees? </div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">In that case, the USPTO will mail a 'notice of missing parts' after Jan 19, 2025 (e.g. in February 2025)</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">What filing/search/examination fee will I need to pay? (at old rates or new rates)?</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Will I be required to pay the 'old benefit claim' surcharge (up to $4,000 large entity)?</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">What about 'extra claims fees'? The USPTO will ask for fees for 2 extra independent claims and 7 claims total - will these be paid at the OLD rates or the NEW rates?</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Many thanks,</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Bill</div></div></body></html>