Are there any exceptions to paying the recording fee at the USPTO?
Yes, there are exceptions to paying the recording fee at the USPTO. According to MPEP 302.06, no fee is required for certain documents related to Executive Order 9424. Specifically:
No fee is required for each patent application and patent against which a document required by Executive Order 9424 is to be filed if: (1) The document does not affect title and is so identified in the cover sheet (see § 3.31(c)(2)); and (2) The document and cover sheet are either: Faxed or electronically submitted as prescribed by the Director, or mailed to the Office in compliance with § 3.27.
This exception applies to specific government-related documents that do not affect the title of the patent or application.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 300 - Ownership and Assignment,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure