What are entity status discounts for maintenance fees?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-29 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. Entity status discounts are reduced maintenance fees available for patentees who can establish entitlement to small or micro entity status. According to MPEP 2550 , “Reduced maintenance fees are available for patentees that can establish entitlement to small or micro entity status.” This means that qualifying entities can pay lower fees to maintain their patents. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Reduced Maintenance Fees for Small/Micro Entities MPEP 2550 Permitted Who Can Sign Assertion for Small Entity Status MPEP 2550 Permitted Check for Loss of Small Entity Status Before Paying Maintenance Fees MPEP 2550 Refunds Apply to Small Entity but Not Micro Entity Status Changes MPEP 2550 Maintenance Fee Payment Includes Entity Status Change 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 Certification Required for Micro Entity Status MPEP 2550 Required Certification of Micro Entity Status Must Be Signed by Authorized Person MPEP 2550 Required Written Notification Required for Loss of Small Entity Status MPEP 2550 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 fee is paid at the wrong entity status rate?