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

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.

To learn more:

• small entity status
• maintenance fees
• USPTO verification