Can I get a refund if I establish small entity status after paying full fees?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 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, you can request a refund if you establish small entity status after paying full fees, but there are strict time limits: You must file an assertion of small entity status and a refund request within 3 months of the date of the full fee payment This 3-month period cannot be extended According to 37 CFR 1.28(a) : “A refund pursuant to § 1.26, based on establishment of small entity status, of a portion of fees timely paid in full prior to establishing status as a small entity may only be obtained if an assertion under § 1.27(c) and a request for a refund of the excess amount are filed within three months of the date of the timely payment of the full fee. The three-month time period is not extendable under § 1.136.” Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Refund Time Limits Not Extendable MPEP 509 Refund Request Must Be Filed Within Two Years MPEP 509 Required Credit Card Fee Payment Requires Specific Information MPEP 509 Required Refund of Fees if Reexamination Not Instituted MPEP 509 Recommended Supplemental Examination Fee Refund If No Reexamination MPEP 509 Provisional Application Fee Payment Order MPEP 509 Late Payment of Basic Filing Fee Requires Surcharge MPEP 509 Permitted Payment of Fees by Credit Card Permitted MPEP 509 Payment of Fees by Credit Card Is Required MPEP 509 Basic National Fee Not Extensible MPEP 509 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse 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? Does submitting a deficiency payment affect my micro ...