📅 2026 Update: Key Changes in U.S. Patent Law

Since the original article was written, several important changes have occurred in U.S. patent law. These updates affect patent fees, guidance on AI-assisted inventions, and the celebration of significant milestones. The older article continues further down the page, providing foundational information about U.S. patent law.

🏷️ Patent Fee Adjustments

Effective January 19, 2025, the USPTO updated patent fees. This change aims to support the efficient management of the U.S. patent system. Applicants should be aware that these adjustments could impact their overall patent costs.

🤖 Revised Guidance on AI Inventions

On November 26, 2025, the USPTO issued revised guidance regarding AI-assisted inventions. This new guidance clarifies that only natural persons can be named as inventors on patent applications. This change rescinds earlier guidance from February 2024, emphasizing the importance of human inventorship.

🎉 Milestone Celebration

On December 30, 2025, the USPTO celebrated the issuance of its 1 millionth electronic patent grant. This milestone highlights the modernization of the patent grant process. It showcases how technology has improved the efficiency of patent processing.

📄 Current Filing Fees

As of August 14, 2026, the basic filing fee for a utility patent application is $350 for paper submissions. Additionally, a non-electronic filing fee of $400 applies to original nonprovisional utility applications filed in paper. Applicants should consider these fees when planning their patent applications.

📌 Summary of Key Updates

  • 💰 Patent fees have been adjusted to enhance the U.S. patent system.
  • 🤖 Only natural persons can be named as inventors on applications.
  • 🎉 The 1 millionth electronic patent grant was celebrated in December 2025.
  • 📄 The basic filing fee for utility patents is now $350 for paper filings.

💡 Tips for Navigating Patent Applications

Reviewing your specific situation with an attorney is essential before proceeding with any patent applications.

📋 Understand the Fees

Familiarize yourself with the current patent filing fees. As of August 14, 2026, the basic filing fee for utility patents is $350 for paper submissions, along with additional fees for search and examination.

🗓️ Meet Deadlines

Stay aware of deadlines for office action responses. Replies must be received within six months from the date the office action is mailed. Extensions are often available, but timely responses are critical.

📝 Use USPTO Forms

Take advantage of the forms provided by the USPTO for express abandonment and fee determination. These forms can streamline your application process and avoid unnecessary delays.

🔍 Check Processing Times

Keep updated on patent application pendency. The time from filing to issuance or abandonment varies, so visit the USPTO's website for the latest processing times.

📞 Seek Free Resources

Utilize free resources offered by the Inventors Assistance Center. They provide guidance on patent application procedures and can help you navigate the complex process.

🏆 Services for Patent Assistance Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section covers services that assist with patent applications and related needs. The rankings are based on Trustpilot data from October 2026. Ratings can fluctuate over time, and it is essential to consider that unhappy customers often leave more reviews, which can affect overall scores.

🥇 1. LegalZoom

LegalZoom has been rated 4.6. This service is known for its online legal services, particularly in patent application assistance. However, some reviewers have pointed out delays and communication issues, which may affect the overall experience for users.

🆓 Free Government Assistance

The Inventors Assistance Center offers free support for independent inventors and small businesses. This includes guidance on patent applications and information about fees. Utilizing these resources can help alleviate some of the costs associated with filing patents.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing Services

  • ⚖️ User reviews to gauge overall satisfaction.
  • 💰 Costs and fees associated with services.
  • 📞 Customer support options available.
  • 📄 Resources provided for patent applications.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the current basic filing fee for utility patents?

The basic filing fee for utility patents is $350 for paper applications as of August 14, 2026. Additional fees apply for search and examination.

⏳ How long does it take for a patent application to be processed?

Patent application processing times vary depending on the type of application. Applicants should check the USPTO's website for current information on pendency.

📝 What are maintenance fees for patents?

Maintenance fees are required to keep a utility patent in force. They are due at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years after the patent grant.

📅 Are there deadlines for responding to office actions?

Yes, responses to office actions must be received within six months from when the office action was mailed. Extensions may be available depending on the type of action.

🆓 Where can I get free help with my patent application?

The Inventors Assistance Center provides free assistance to independent inventors and small businesses. They offer guidance on patent application procedures and fees.

🤖 Can AI be listed as an inventor on a patent application?

No, as of November 26, 2025, only natural persons can be named as inventors on patent applications, regardless of AI involvement.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to Patents

Recent court rulings continue to shape the landscape of patent law in the United States, influencing how patents are filed and enforced. These rulings often involve interpretations of what can be patented and the rights of inventors.

For more insights, feel free to browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update






Patents and patent law, though always having a single definition throughout history, has had several goals which have evolved over the years. It was initially a form of producing added revenue as an alternative to taxation. 



Eventually, patents were defined with the inventor's best interests in mind and giving them power for their work, allowing them capitalize on their inventions. Today, the United States has adopted the concept of patenting with the goal of technological advancements and economic stability for the common good of the U.S. and humanity as a whole.



Patenting, otherwise known as an exclusive right to a monopoly, had its earliest forms of practice as far back as Medieval times. Those in power would grant rights to individuals to a monopoly in an effort to raise funds as a supplement to taxation. Furthermore, in England, grants were known as letters patents and were issued by the royal sovereign to inventors who would request them. 

Patent History in the United States


In 1474, officials in Venice granted inventors exclusive rights to their inventions for economic reasons. It was not until 1624 that the first restrictions were placed on monopolies to prevent patents from being granted to existing inventions and limiting the duration of monopolies. These new restrictions helped to define and establish the goals of modern patent law in the United States.



The Beginning of Patents in the United States:



During colonial years in the United States, patents were handled independently through a colony's officials. The first patent granted in the United States was done in 1641 by Massachusetts General Court for Samuel Winslow, who invented a new method of creating salt. During the American Revolution, states began governing their own systems of patent structures and procedures so that inventors were given protections on their machines.



When the United States Constitution was written, it formed the basis of U.S. patent law, which created a unified foundation for which patents should be structured. During this time, the Industrial Revolution was in full gear. It was a time of great technological achievements, with each new invention establishing inspiration and innovations for others to follow. 



New inventions made factories faster, more automated and efficient, and as a result, the economy flourished. Patent law was more important than ever to maintain a steady economic growth within the U.S., leading to the inclusion of patent structure in the U.S. Constitution.



The Patent Act of 1790 was the first patent law to be established in the United States. Titled "An Act to promote the progress of useful Arts, it was passed to grant inventors "sole and exclusive right and liberty of making, constructing, using and vending to others to be used" of their work. 



Initially, this exclusive right was granted to inventors for the duration of up to fourteen years. Under this statute, the Patent Board was assigned with the power to grant patents and their power was absolute without any chance to appeal. The Patent Board consisted of the Secretary of State, the Secretary of War, and the Attorney General. The board would examine applications for patents, which consisted of specifications, a drawing and sometimes a model. If the invention was found to be of use and importance, a patent would be issued.



Modifications to U.S. Patent Law:



The first modification to United States patent law came three years after its inception in 1793. Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, added a clearer definition to a patentable object, stating that for a object to be patented it must be "any new and useful art, machine, manufacture or composition of matter", including any new improvements to currently existing works.



As the benefits of patents became clearer to the general public, the patenting system in the United States began to see a steady rise. By 1836, 10,000 patents have been issued in the United States. Due to the magnitude of new patent applications and dissatisfaction caused by subsequent appeals by rejected applicants, the Patent Office became part of the State Department on July 4, 1836. 



All patent applications were then directed to the Patent Office, which determined the usefulness and novelty of a patent application before giving final approval to grant it. In addition to transferring the Patent Office, a 7 year extension was added to the 14 year patent term and inventors were required to provide more detailed descriptions and drawings within their applications.



In 1849, the Patent Office was transferred yet again to the Department of the Interior and a new amendment expanded the definition of patent to include all new, useful, and non-obvious works. This meant that an invention could not be patented if it was a device that was recognized by other professionals within a certain field of study.



The year 1952 saw the establishment of modern patent law. Patent law was amended to enforce the "non-obvious" aspect of the patent definition. Inventions now needed to be proved to be new and non-obvious by the inventor. This finally outlawed applicants from claiming base knowledge as their own in a particular field. 



In addition, further details in the patent application were required. Not only did an inventor need to describe the invention in detail, the basis for its infringement should also be described. This modern restructuring of patent law in the United States was largely a result of continued criticism and skepticism of patents.



Criticism of Patents in the United States:



The Panic of 1890 was a time of acute economic depression occurring throughout the world. Pessimism, as a result of this scare, shifted focus to patents, which were accused of promoting damaging monopolies. As courts began to invalidate patents and skepticism grew, patents were seen in a negative light. 



To counter this attitude, the Sherman Antitrust Act was passed by Congress. This Act was designed to counter and investigate cartels and monopolies within the United States, which were regarded as the primary forces which threatened fair competition.



After the passing of The Sherman Antitrust Act, attitudes towards patents improved, but were once again challenged years later during The Great Depression of the 1930's and again following World War II, when the economy began to slow. To restore faith in the patent system, new guidelines were finally administered to U.S. Statute revamping rules and regulations of patents. 



Throughout the 1980's and 1990's, patents saw an increase in popularity and the general public patents in a positive light. This was fueled by the desire to give inventors the power to protect their work and ensure the rights of businesses leading the way in innovative products. Patents proved that progressive ideas and forward thinking were an important aspect of the United States.



In 1982, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit replaced the Court of Customs and Patent Appeals, and modifications to patent law became more frequent. The Federal Circuit provided patents with a generally positive perspective, allowing for legislation changes that favored the owners of patents. Contact patent lawyers to review your case.