What form is used to certify micro entity status based on an institution of higher education?

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office provides a specific form for certifying micro entity status based on an institution of higher education. This form is PTO/SB/15B.

MPEP 509.04(b) states: “The Office’s form PTO/SB/15B contains the certifications under 37 CFR 1.29(d) that are required to establish micro entity status on the institution of higher education basis.”

The form includes two signature blocks corresponding to the two alternative requirements under 37 CFR 1.29(d)(2):

1. Certifying that the applicant’s employer, from which they obtain the majority of their income, is an institution of higher education.
2. Certifying that the applicant has assigned, granted, or conveyed a license or other ownership interest in the application to an institution of higher education (or is obligated to do so).

Applicants should use this form to properly certify their micro entity status based on an institution of higher education.

To learn more:

• micro entity status
• certification form
• institution of higher education
• patent fees