Do I need to pay the publication fee again if I request early publication?
No, if you request early publication and pay the publication fee at that time, you will not need to pay the fee again at allowance. According to MPEP 1129:
“Note that if early publication is requested, and the publication fee paid, applicant will not be required to pay the publication fee at allowance.”
This policy ensures that applicants are not charged twice for the publication of their patent application. The publication fee paid at the time of requesting early publication covers the cost of publication, whether it occurs early or at the standard time after allowance.
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