How does the USPTO verify small entity status for maintenance fee payments?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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. The USPTO does not generally question small entity status claims for maintenance fee payments. According to MPEP 2550 : “The Office does not normally make any inquiry or investigation into the continued qualification of any entity as a small entity but accepts the assertion filed with the maintenance fee payment.” However, the Office may question the status if there’s information suggesting the entity no longer qualifies. Patent owners are responsible for notifying the Office of any change in status. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Maintenance Fee Payment Includes Entity Status Change MPEP 2550 Permitted Who Can Sign Assertion for Small Entity Status MPEP 2550 Permitted Assertion of Small Entity Status Required for Maintenance Fee Discount MPEP 2550 Required Assertion of Small Entity Status Only Required Once MPEP 2550 Required Refunds Apply to Small Entity but Not Micro Entity Status Changes MPEP 2550 Written Notification Required for Loss of Small Entity Status MPEP 2550 Check for Loss of Small Entity Status Before Paying Maintenance Fees MPEP 2550 Reduced Maintenance Fees for Small/Micro Entities MPEP 2550 Permitted Notification Required Before Paying Maintenance Fee After Loss of Entity Status MPEP 2550 Required Entity Status Document Must Be Filed By Mail, Fax, Or Electronic Filing System MPEP 2550 Prohibited Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How can I change my entity status for maintenance fee payments? Can I change my entity status after paying a maintenance fee? Can a patent owner change entity status between maintenance fee payments? How can I claim entitlement to small entity status for maintenance fees? What happens if a maintenance ...