Can third parties request maintenance fee status information for patents they don’t own?

Question

Accepted Answer

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. Yes, third parties can request maintenance fee status information for patents they don’t own. The MPEP 2570 states: “The Office will respond to requests for the maintenance fee status of patents.” This statement does not limit requests to patent owners only. Third parties can use the following methods to obtain maintenance fee status information: Use the public Patent Maintenance Fees Storefront Access the public side of the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system Contact the USPTO’s Office of Finance at 571-272-6500 This accessibility allows interested parties, such as potential licensees or competitors, to verify the current status of a patent’s maintenance fee payments. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Maintenance Fee Status Can Be Requested Online or By Phone MPEP 2570 Telephone Request for Maintenance Fee Status MPEP 2570 Permitted How to Check Patent Maintenance Fees MPEP 2570 Permitted Two Patent Numbers Per Call for Maintenance Fee Status MPEP 2570 Maintenance Fee Payment Required for Patent MPEP 1415.01 Petitions for Unintentionally Delayed Maintenance Fee Payments in Expired Patents MPEP 1002.02(b) Maintenance Fee for Reissues MPEP 1415.01 Determine Maintenance Fee History Using Multiple Tools MPEP 1415.01 Recommended Contact OPLA for Unpaid Maintenance Fees MPEP 1415.01 Recommended Maintenance Fee During Grace Period Must Include Surcharge MPEP 1415.01 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Where can I find the phone number to check patent maintenance fee status? How can I check the maintenance fee payment status for a specific patent? How can I check the maintenance fee payment status of a patent? What information d...