Q: How many patent claims are too many?
A: As many as you want (in many jurisdictions)! But claims can get expensive.
Patent claims
Patent offices have very different approaches to excess fees charged on claims. Some allow a certain number of claims before charging extra, while others start charging much sooner, or even charge by the claim. This variation exists across patent offices worldwide. Understanding these differences helps readers compare practices.
The chart below gives a quick comparison of these practices across offices. It summarizes the fee amounts and whether charges apply per claim or per set of claims. Numbers are accurate as of August 2026. This snapshot helps readers compare how offices handle excess claims.
| Jurisdiction | Fee | Conditions | Notes |
| EPO | €290 | Total claims over 15 (up to 50) | Claims over 50 cost €720 per claim. |
| USPTO (large entity) | $200 | Total claims over 20. | Multiple dependent claims add significantly to claims fees. Small entities pay discounted fees. |
| $600 | Independent claims over 3. | ||
| JPO | 4,000¥ | Per claim, regardless of claim number | |
| PCT | (none) | Per page (over 30) charges apply.CNIPA charges based on PCT claimsLong applications can have major translation fees. | |
| ILPO | 601ILS | Total claims over 50 |
Relevant links:
https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/fees-and-payment/uspto-fee-schedule
https://fees.apps.epo.org/prod/ui/history?feeId=015
https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/system/process/tesuryo/hyou.html
Why does this matter? Because the same claim set can have very different costs in different countries. And sometimes a little advance planning—reducing redundant Patent claims, restructuring dependencies, or adapting the claims before national filing—can save substantial official fees.
The takeaway: The same claims can come with very different price tags around the world. A little homework before filing can pay off.