Once an Examiner decides that an application is in condition for allowance, the USPTO issues a Notice of Allowance informing the applicant that the issue fee and publication fees are due. After issuance of the patent, the applicant is required to pay maintenance fees 3 ½, 7 ½, and 11 ½ years after the issue date to keep the patent in force. Click here for a list of current government patent fees.