How can an application be made special without a fee?

According to 37 CFR 1.102(c), as cited in MPEP 708.01, an application can be made special without a fee if the basis for the petition is:

• The applicant’s age or health
• The invention will materially:
  • Enhance the quality of the environment
  • Contribute to the development or conservation of energy resources
  • Contribute to countering terrorism

The regulation states: A petition to make an application special may be filed without a fee if the basis for the petition is: (1) The applicant’s age or health; or (2) That the invention will materially: (i) Enhance the quality of the environment; (ii) Contribute to the development or conservation of energy resources; or (iii) Contribute to countering terrorism.

To learn more:

• special application
• fee waiver
• petition to make special
• environmental inventions
• energy conservation
• counter-terrorism