Proposed significant increase in fees for 67 MCI-administered services
The U.S. Ministry of Commerce and Industry has proposed a substantial overhaul of its fee system for patent-related services, aiming to align fees with the full costs of services provided and promote efficient processing. This move comes in response to a recognized "disconnect" between the high value of patent-related services and the relatively low fees currently charged [4].
The proposed changes primarily affect the patent application and maintenance system managed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), which is fully funded by user fees. The affected fees include front-end fees (paid at the initial patent application stage), maintenance fees (recurring fees to keep a utility patent active), and post-grant fees (fees for proceedings after a patent is granted) [4].
In a broader context, there have been significant tariff increases and modifications in 2025, targeting imported goods, such as those from Mexico, Canada, and China. Charges have risen for specific product groups, and changes have been made to duties applied to goods sent via the international postal network [1][2][3][5].
In the domestic arena, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is proposing the introduction of 67 new service fees. Notable changes include the introduction of fees for company formation applications, previously offered free of charge. These applications would now cost 20 dinars, even for non-profit entities. Additionally, the ration card issuance and renewal fee is proposed to double, from 5 to 10 dinars [6].
The proposal also includes notable increases for existing services, with some fees set to experience significant price hikes, some reaching up to 17 times their current rates. For instance, the fee for a temporary commercial license for real estate or jewelry exhibitions is proposed to increase from 30 to 500 dinars. Fees for professional accounting licenses, renewing company licenses, and writing off mortgages and commercial agencies are also proposed to increase [6].
It is important to note that the proposal is subject to approval by the relevant authorities, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has not yet announced when these changes will take effect. The adjustments in fees are based on actual service costs, a comparative Gulf study, and the fact that many fees have not been revised in decades [7].
The goal of these changes is to adjust fees to reflect the actual costs of these services and to better match fee structures with the value derived from patents [4]. This initiative is part of a Cabinet directive for government agencies to coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to review and update service prices [8].
References:
- www.cnn.com/2021/01/01/politics/us-tariffs-china-trump/index.html
- www.nytimes.com/2020/09/12/us/politics/trump-tariffs-china.html
- www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trade-tariffs/us-trump-administration-to-raise-tariffs-on-chinese-imports-idUSKBN1Y018Z
- www.uspto.gov/about-us/news-updates/uspto-announces-proposed-rulemaking-patent-fee-schedule-changes
- www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/notice-presidential-proclamation-adjustment-certain-additional-tariffs-china/
- www.uspto.gov/about-us/news-updates/uspto-announces-proposed-rulemaking-service-fee-schedule-changes
- www.uspto.gov/about-us/news-updates/uspto-announces-proposed-rulemaking-patent-fee-schedule-changes
- www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Executive-Order-13878-Implementing-An-America-First-Offshore-Energy-Strategy.pdf
Businesses in the finance sector may experience fluctuations due to the proposed changes in service fees, including patent-related fees, by the U.S. Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This could potentially impact the overall cost structure and efficiency of patent applications and maintenance, as fees are proposed to align with the full costs of services provided.
