When did the USPTO introduce the non-electronic filing portion of the PCT transmittal fee?
The USPTO introduced the non-electronic filing portion of the PCT transmittal fee for international applications filed on or after November 15, 2011. This change was implemented to encourage electronic filing and improve efficiency in the application process.
As stated in the MPEP: “For international applications filed on or after November 15, 2011, the transmittal fee paid to the USPTO as Receiving Office consists of both a basic portion and a non-electronic filing portion.”
This date is significant because:
- It marks a change in the fee structure for PCT applications filed with the USPTO
- Applications filed before this date were not subject to the non-electronic filing portion of the fee
- It reflects the USPTO’s ongoing efforts to modernize and streamline the patent application process
Applicants filing international applications should be aware of this date and consider using the electronic filing system to avoid additional fees.
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