What are the consequences of bounced checks or insufficient funds for USPTO fee payments?
What are the consequences of bounced checks or insufficient funds for USPTO fee payments?
Submitting a check that bounces or having insufficient funds for USPTO fee payments can have serious consequences. The MPEP 509 states: ‘If any fee is paid by a check which is uncollectible or is returned unpaid, or if any payment is made in an amount less than the required amount, the fee payment shall be regarded as incomplete and the processing of the application or other filing shall be held in abeyance until the full fee payment is made.’
Consequences may include:
- Suspension of application processing
- Potential loss of filing date
- Additional fees or penalties
- Possible disciplinary action for repeated occurrences
To avoid these issues, ensure sufficient funds are available and consider using more reliable payment methods like electronic funds transfer or credit cards.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 500 - Receipt and Handling of Mail and Papers,
MPEP 509 - Payment of Fees,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure