What information does the USPTO provide in response to maintenance fee status requests?

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.

When responding to maintenance fee status requests, the USPTO provides comprehensive information about the patent’s maintenance fee history. According to MPEP 2570:

“The Office will provide the status including the amount of any maintenance fee paid, the date paid, and any expiration date.”

This information typically includes:

• The current status of the patent (active or expired)
• The amount of any maintenance fees that have been paid
• The date(s) when maintenance fees were paid
• The expiration date of the patent, if applicable
• Any relevant grace period information

This detailed information allows patent owners and interested parties to accurately assess the current status of a patent’s maintenance fee obligations.