How do I pay patent fees?

In North Carolina, paying patent fees is done through the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office). The USPTO is responsible for managing the patent process in the United States including issuing patents, registering trademarks and processing patent fees. The fees associated with patent applications vary and depend on the type of patent and the complexity of the application. Generally, there are three types of fees associated with patent applications: filing fees, search fees and examination fees. The first fee, the filing fee, is paid when you file your patent application. This fee is the same no matter the type or complexity of the application. The second fee, the search fee, covers the cost of searching for earlier patents that might impede the approval of the application. This fee is based on the size of the patent application and the type of patent being applied for. The third and last fee, the examination fee, is paid once the application is accepted and is intended to cover the cost of evaluating the application and issuing the patent. In North Carolina, you can pay patent fees with a check, money order or credit card, and the USPTO website has detailed instructions on filing and paying fees. Once all the fees are paid, you should receive your patent within four to six months.

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