Filing fee

A filing fee is a payment that must be made to the government in order to apply for something, such as a patent, trademark, or remedy in civil court. The filing fee for civil action cases has increased significantly over time. In 1978, it was increased from $15 to $60; in 1986, it was increased to $120; in 1996, to $150; in 2004, to $250; and effective 9 April 2006, to $350.