How can I check the maintenance fee payment status for a specific patent?

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

To check the maintenance fee payment status for a specific patent, you can use the following methods:

• Visit the USPTO’s Patent Maintenance Fees Storefront and enter the patent number.
• Use the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system to access detailed maintenance fee information.
• Contact the USPTO’s Office of Finance directly at 571-272-6500.

According to MPEP 2570, “The Office will respond to requests for the maintenance fee status of patents. The Office will provide the status including the amount of any maintenance fee paid, the date paid, and any expiration date.”