How should maintenance fee payments be submitted to the USPTO?

Maintenance fee payments should be submitted according to specific guidelines outlined in MPEP 2515. Key points include:

• Payments must be submitted in the amount due on the date of payment
• Fees can be paid in the manner set forth in 37 CFR 1.23 or by authorization to charge a deposit account
• Payments must be submitted within the periods set forth in 37 CFR 1.362(d), (e), or (f)
• Maintenance fee payments should be submitted separately from other fee payments
• The Maintenance Fee Transmittal Form, PTO/SB/45, is recommended for mail or facsimile submissions

The MPEP states: “Maintenance fee payments and surcharge payments relating thereto must be submitted separate from any other payments for fees or charges, whether submitted in the manner set forth in § 1.23 or by an authorization to charge a deposit account.“

To learn more:

• maintenance fees
• payment methods
• USPTO procedures
• fee submission