What happens if there are insufficient funds when paying USPTO fees?
What happens if there are insufficient funds when paying USPTO fees?
If there are insufficient funds when paying USPTO fees, several consequences may occur:
- The fee payment will be considered incomplete.
- Your application or request may not be processed.
- You may incur additional fees or penalties.
- In some cases, you might lose filing date benefits.
The MPEP 509 warns, “If the Office receives a check drawn on a deposit account with insufficient funds, the fee will be considered unpaid.” For electronic payments, “If the electronic fund transfer is refused, or if the credit card is declined or invalid, the fee will be considered unpaid.” It’s crucial to ensure sufficient funds are available to avoid these issues and potential delays in your patent or trademark process.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 500 - Receipt and Handling of Mail and Papers,
MPEP 509 - Payment of Fees,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure