How does a general authorization for fee payments work with a USPTO deposit account?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 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. A general authorization allows the USPTO to charge certain fees to your deposit account without requiring specific authorization for each fee. The MPEP states: A general authorization to charge all fees, or only certain fees, set forth in §§ 1.16 to 1.18 to a deposit account containing sufficient funds may be filed in an individual application, either for the entire pendency of the application or with respect to a particular paper filed. Key points about general authorizations: They can cover fees under 37 CFR 1.16 and 1.17 Fees under 37 CFR 1.19, 1.20, and 1.21 are generally not covered Issue fees (37 CFR 1.18) require a separate authorization after the notice of allowance The authorization should be clear and unambiguous to avoid misinterpretation Always ensure your deposit account has sufficient funds to cover authorized fees to avoid potential application abandonment or additional expenses. Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Can I use a Certificate of Mailing or Transmission for correspondence from outside the United States? Can international applicants claim micro entity status based on gross income? Can an institution of higher education itself claim micro entity status? How is an &#8216;institution of higher education&#8217; defined for micro entity status purposes? What are the consequences of an improper signature on patent correspondence?