5 July 2007
As of 21st April 2007, patent renewal fees have been re-introduced in Italy. The first patent renewal fee is due for the fifth year (due at the end of the 4th anniversary month of the filing date). No fees are however due for maintaining patents as regards year 2006. In order to accommodate this transition period for reintroduction of renewal fees, an exception to the normal due dates for paying the renewal fees has been made for cases which would normally have fees due between 1 January 2007 and 30 April 2007: for these cases, payment can be made, without surcharges, up to 30 June 2007. Fees due from 1 May 2007 are due as normal (i.e. at the end of the month in which the anniversary of the filing date falls). A 6 month grace period applies to these dates, with the payment of surcharges.