What are maintenance fees for design patents?

Maintenance fees are a requirement for certain types of patents to keep them enforceable once granted. However, design patents are an exception to this rule. Unlike utility patents, which require payment of maintenance fees at specified intervals (3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years) to maintain their validity, design patents do not incur such fees throughout their duration. Once a design patent is granted, it remains in effect for 15 years from the date of grant without the need for any maintenance fee payments. This unique aspect emphasizes the distinction between design and utility patents regarding maintenance obligations, making it clear why the correct answer indicates that no maintenance fees are required for design patents.