What happens if my USPTO deposit account balance falls below the minimum?

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.

If your USPTO deposit account balance falls below the minimum required balance of $1,000, there are consequences. According to MPEP 509.01, “An account holder who does not maintain the minimum balance will be notified and given a reasonable time to restore the account to the minimum balance.” If the account is not replenished:

• The USPTO may close the account.
• Any fees charged against the account may be treated as unpaid.
• This could potentially affect the status of your patent applications or other USPTO services.

It’s crucial to monitor your account balance regularly and replenish it promptly when it approaches the minimum to avoid any disruptions in service or potential issues with your patent applications.