What qualifies as a small entity for patent fee reduction?

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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. A small entity for purposes of paying reduced patent fees is defined in 37 CFR 1.27(a) as: A person A small business concern A nonprofit organization Each of these categories has specific criteria that must be met to qualify for small entity status. For example, a person must not have assigned, granted, conveyed, or licensed any rights in the invention to a non-small entity. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Fees Must Be Paid In Advance For Patent Actions MPEP 509 Required Refunds Not Given for Small Amounts MPEP 509 Fees Must Be Clearly Itemized for Each Application MPEP 509 Required Unitemized Fees Must Be Returned MPEP 509 Required Resubmission of Returned Fees Not Subject to §1.5(a) MPEP 509 Fees Must Be Paid in US Dollars MPEP 509 Required Payment Must Be in Specific Forms MPEP 509 Permitted Money Orders Must Be Payable to Director MPEP 509 Required Checks Payable to Commissioner Still Accepted MPEP 509 Foreign Payments Must Be Negotiable In U.S. MPEP 509 Required 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 entity status? Are there any fee reductions or waivers available for USPTO patent fees?