Free continuation tools

Check whether a pending US family can still take a continuation, and when the continuing application fee starts: $2,700 for a large entity after 6 years, $4,000 after 9 (37 CFR 1.17(w)).

Continuation window checker

Live USPTO data · results link to a shareable URL

Can this family still take a continuation, and how much time is left?

You enter: One patent, application or publication number. Any common format.
You get: The family tree, which members are pending, whether the window is open, the earliest benefit date, the 6- and 9-year fee dates, and parent-issue risk.

ExampleIllustrative family, not real data. Dates as of Oct 23, 2026.

Window open · parent allowed

1 of 3 members pending. Earliest benefit date Mar 2, 2020.

Issue fee due (parent): Dec 15, 2026 (in 53 days)A continuation must be filed by the day the parent issues
6-year fee from: Mar 3, 2026 (234 days ago)
9-year fee from: Mar 3, 2029 (in 862 days)

Open the checker →

Continuation surcharge calculator

Runs in your browser · nothing you enter is sent anywhere

Will a continuation, divisional or CIP filed on a given date owe the continuing application fee, and how much?

You enter: Earliest benefit date (not a provisional or foreign priority date), entity size and planned filing date.
You get: The last fee-free day, the dates the 6- and 9-year fees start, and the amount and fee code for your filing date, with the weekend and holiday rule applied.

ExampleLarge entity, filing Jul 1, 2026. Dates as of Oct 23, 2026.

More than 6 years

Fee on this filing date: $2,700 (fee code 1055)

Free until: Mar 2, 2026 (235 days ago)Last day with no fee
6-year fee starts: Mar 3, 2026 (234 days ago)$2,700 from this day
9-year fee starts: Mar 3, 2029 (in 862 days)$4,000 from this day

Open the calculator Open this example

Which tool do I need?

Which free tool answers which question
If	Use
You have a patent, application or publication number and want to know if a continuation can still be filed.	Window checker
You know the earliest benefit date and want the fee for a planned filing date.	Surcharge calculator
You want the fee but don’t know the earliest benefit date.	Window checker first, then the calculator

Background reading

When is the last day to file a continuation? Copendency, the issue date and abandonment.
The continuing application fee explained Earliest benefit date, the 6- and 9-year tiers, and exemptions.

Have a pending family and a competitor product in mind?

Send us the application number and a link to the product. We check whether the as-filed specification may support claims covering it, and reply by email within 48 hours. The first reviews are free.