MPEP § 1893.01(c) — Fees (Annotated Rules)

§1893.01(c) Fees

USPTO MPEP version: BlueIron's Update: 2025-12-31

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 1893.01(c), including statutory authority, regulatory rules, examiner guidance, and practice notes. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only, it is not legal advice.

Fees

This section addresses Fees. Primary authority: 35 U.S.C. 111(a), 35 U.S.C. 371, and 37 CFR 1.495(a). Contains: 3 requirements and 9 other statements.

Key Rules

Topic

Surcharge Fee Amount

4 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1893-01-c-883cb1938cd4ead9d07c800f]
Basic National Fee Not Extensible
Note:
The basic national fee must be paid within 30 months from the priority date to avoid abandonment, and this period is not extendable.

The basic national fee must be paid prior to the expiration of 30 months from the priority date to avoid abandonment of the international application as to the United States. This time period is not extendable. 37 CFR 1.495(a) – (b). This is distinguished from U.S. national application filings under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) in which the basic filing fee due on filing may be later accepted with a surcharge. Accordingly, in situations in which a payment of fees has been made in a national stage application prior to the expiration of 30 months from the priority date, but the applicant has not specified a sufficient amount for the payment of the basic national fee, the Office will apply the payment first to the basic national fee regardless of whether the applicant specified the fees to which the payment is to be applied.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.495(a)Surcharge Fee AmountEffect of International FilingNationals and Residents
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1893-01-c-94bd339bdb6ebe02d8aee663]
Payment Prioritizes Basic National Fee
Note:
When fees are paid before the 30-month deadline but do not cover the basic national fee, the Office will apply the payment first to the basic national fee regardless of other specified payments.

The basic national fee must be paid prior to the expiration of 30 months from the priority date to avoid abandonment of the international application as to the United States. This time period is not extendable. 37 CFR 1.495(a) – (b). This is distinguished from U.S. national application filings under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) in which the basic filing fee due on filing may be later accepted with a surcharge. Accordingly, in situations in which a payment of fees has been made in a national stage application prior to the expiration of 30 months from the priority date, but the applicant has not specified a sufficient amount for the payment of the basic national fee, the Office will apply the payment first to the basic national fee regardless of whether the applicant specified the fees to which the payment is to be applied.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.495(a)Surcharge Fee AmountNationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1893-01-c-7f05c8dd35c658216b9d77f4]
Translation After Thirty Months Requires Fee
Note:
An English translation of an international application must be submitted after thirty months from the priority date, and a processing fee is required for acceptance.

The processing fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.492(i) will be required for acceptance of an English translation of the international application later than the expiration of thirty months after the priority date, and the surcharge fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.492(h) will be required for acceptance of any of the search fee, examination fee, or inventor’s oath or declaration after the date of commencement. 37 CFR 1.495(c)(4).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.492(i)Surcharge Fee AmountInternational Stage FeesNational Stage Fees
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1893-01-c-f52287cb0f06b38b928e473e]
Surcharge for Late English Translation
Note:
A processing fee is required for an English translation submitted after the thirty-month priority deadline, and additional surcharges apply for late search, examination, or oath/declaration fees.

The processing fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.492(i) will be required for acceptance of an English translation of the international application later than the expiration of thirty months after the priority date, and the surcharge fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.492(h) will be required for acceptance of any of the search fee, examination fee, or inventor’s oath or declaration after the date of commencement. 37 CFR 1.495(c)(4).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.492(i)Surcharge Fee AmountInternational Stage FeesNational Stage Fees
Topic

National Stage Fees

3 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1893-01-c-c19d37541c92b7ece0a55e17]
Authorization to Charge Fees Transfers
Note:
An authorization to charge fees under 37 CFR 1.16 for an international application entering the national stage is treated as an authorization to charge fees under 37 CFR 1.492.

Fees under 37 CFR 1.16 relate to national applications under 35 U.S.C. 111(a), and not to international applications entering the national stage under 35 U.S.C. 371. National stage fees are specifically provided for in 37 CFR 1.492. However, an authorization to charge fees under 37 CFR 1.16 in an international application entering the national stage under 35 U.S.C. 371 will be treated as an authorization to charge fees under 37 CFR 1.492. See 37 CFR 1.25(b). Accordingly, applications will not be held abandoned if an authorization to charge fees under 37 CFR 1.16 has been provided instead of an authorization to charge fees under 37 CFR 1.492.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.16National Stage FeesNationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1893-01-c-df5af4d30d33b4053bff894d]
Authorization to Charge Fees Under 37 CFR 1.16 Treated as 37 CFR 1.492
Note:
An authorization for national stage fees under 37 CFR 1.16 will be treated as an authorization for international applications entering the national stage under 37 CFR 1.492, preventing abandonment of applications.

Fees under 37 CFR 1.16 relate to national applications under 35 U.S.C. 111(a), and not to international applications entering the national stage under 35 U.S.C. 371. National stage fees are specifically provided for in 37 CFR 1.492. However, an authorization to charge fees under 37 CFR 1.16 in an international application entering the national stage under 35 U.S.C. 371 will be treated as an authorization to charge fees under 37 CFR 1.492. See 37 CFR 1.25(b). Accordingly, applications will not be held abandoned if an authorization to charge fees under 37 CFR 1.16 has been provided instead of an authorization to charge fees under 37 CFR 1.492.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.16National Stage FeesPCT FeesNationals and Residents
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1893-01-c-072d148ca57d7fb4889e60f5]
Application Size Fee Based on Published International Application
Note:
The application size fee for a national stage application is determined based on the number of sheets in the published international application as per WIPO's publication under PCT Article 21.

The application size fee for a national stage application (37 CFR 1.492(j)) is determined on the basis of the international application as published by WIPO pursuant to PCT Article 21. Specifically, the application size fee is calculated on the basis of the number of sheets of specification (including the description, claims, abstract, and, if present, a sequence listing in portable document format (PDF)) and drawings present in the published international application. This calculation is made without regard to the language of publication. Certain other sheets typically present in the international publication are not taken into account in determining the application size fee, e.g., Article 19 amendments/statement, the international search report, and any additional bibliographic sheets (other than the cover sheet containing the abstract). Nor are Article 34 amendments or preliminary amendments taken into account in determining the application size fee.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.492(j))National Stage FeesNationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)
Topic

Article 19 Amendment Scope

3 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1893-01-c-34705369324f2c8a0cb329a7]
Preliminary Amendment Reduces Claim Fees
Note:
A preliminary amendment in the initial national stage submission can cancel claims and eliminate multiple dependent claims, reducing claim fees.

A preliminary amendment accompanying the initial national stage submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 that is effective to cancel claims and/or eliminate multiple dependent claims will be effective to reduce the number of claims to be considered in calculating extra claim fees required under 37 CFR 1.492(d) – (e) and/or eliminate the multiple dependent claim fee required under 37 CFR 1.492(f). A subsequently filed amendment canceling claims and/or eliminating multiple dependent claims will not entitle applicant to a refund of fees previously paid. See MPEP §§ 607 and 608.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.492(d)Article 19 Amendment ScopeStatement Under Article 19PCT Claims Format
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1893-01-c-06772bfc79d42d97bfec6b56]
Amendments Not Entitled to Refund
Note:
Subsequently filed amendments canceling claims and eliminating multiple dependent claims do not entitle the applicant to a refund of previously paid fees.

A preliminary amendment accompanying the initial national stage submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 that is effective to cancel claims and/or eliminate multiple dependent claims will be effective to reduce the number of claims to be considered in calculating extra claim fees required under 37 CFR 1.492(d) – (e) and/or eliminate the multiple dependent claim fee required under 37 CFR 1.492(f). A subsequently filed amendment canceling claims and/or eliminating multiple dependent claims will not entitle applicant to a refund of fees previously paid. See MPEP §§ 607 and 608.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.492(d)Article 19 Amendment ScopeStatement Under Article 19PCT Claims Format
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1893-01-c-0c443b687f98765dd6d45aad]
Specification and Drawings Determine Application Size Fee
Note:
The application size fee is calculated based on the number of sheets in the specification, claims, abstract, sequence listing (if present), and drawings from the published international application.

The application size fee for a national stage application (37 CFR 1.492(j)) is determined on the basis of the international application as published by WIPO pursuant to PCT Article 21. Specifically, the application size fee is calculated on the basis of the number of sheets of specification (including the description, claims, abstract, and, if present, a sequence listing in portable document format (PDF)) and drawings present in the published international application. This calculation is made without regard to the language of publication. Certain other sheets typically present in the international publication are not taken into account in determining the application size fee, e.g., Article 19 amendments/statement, the international search report, and any additional bibliographic sheets (other than the cover sheet containing the abstract). Nor are Article 34 amendments or preliminary amendments taken into account in determining the application size fee.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.492(j))Article 19 Amendment ScopePCT Abstract RequirementsPCT Description Requirements
Topic

Nationals and Residents

2 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1893-01-c-f5ccca39279f26f0fad62ee2]
Basic National Fee Must Be Paid Before 30 Months
Note:
The basic national fee must be paid within 30 months from the priority date to avoid abandonment of the international application for the United States.

The basic national fee must be paid prior to the expiration of 30 months from the priority date to avoid abandonment of the international application as to the United States. This time period is not extendable. 37 CFR 1.495(a) – (b). This is distinguished from U.S. national application filings under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) in which the basic filing fee due on filing may be later accepted with a surcharge. Accordingly, in situations in which a payment of fees has been made in a national stage application prior to the expiration of 30 months from the priority date, but the applicant has not specified a sufficient amount for the payment of the basic national fee, the Office will apply the payment first to the basic national fee regardless of whether the applicant specified the fees to which the payment is to be applied.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.495(a)Nationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)National Stage Entry Requirements
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1893-01-c-4f9a510dd95f878391b0174a]
Fees for National Applications Not International
Note:
The rule states that fees under 37 CFR 1.16 apply to national applications and not international applications entering the national stage.

Fees under 37 CFR 1.16 relate to national applications under 35 U.S.C. 111(a), and not to international applications entering the national stage under 35 U.S.C. 371. National stage fees are specifically provided for in 37 CFR 1.492. However, an authorization to charge fees under 37 CFR 1.16 in an international application entering the national stage under 35 U.S.C. 371 will be treated as an authorization to charge fees under 37 CFR 1.492. See 37 CFR 1.25(b). Accordingly, applications will not be held abandoned if an authorization to charge fees under 37 CFR 1.16 has been provided instead of an authorization to charge fees under 37 CFR 1.492.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.16Nationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)Amendments in National Stage
Topic

Effect of International Filing

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1893-01-c-ad2c5e2881649af7429324bc]
Basic National Fee Due Before Priority Date Deadline
Note:
The basic national fee must be paid before the 30-month priority date deadline to avoid abandonment of the international application in the U.S., and cannot be later accepted with a surcharge.

The basic national fee must be paid prior to the expiration of 30 months from the priority date to avoid abandonment of the international application as to the United States. This time period is not extendable. 37 CFR 1.495(a) – (b). This is distinguished from U.S. national application filings under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) in which the basic filing fee due on filing may be later accepted with a surcharge. Accordingly, in situations in which a payment of fees has been made in a national stage application prior to the expiration of 30 months from the priority date, but the applicant has not specified a sufficient amount for the payment of the basic national fee, the Office will apply the payment first to the basic national fee regardless of whether the applicant specified the fees to which the payment is to be applied.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.495(a)Effect of International FilingNationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)
Topic

Publication Language

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1893-01-c-fb5d321f944b8c711776af26]
Application Size Fee Based on Published Sheets
Note:
The application size fee is calculated based on the number of sheets in the published international application, regardless of the language of publication.

The application size fee for a national stage application (37 CFR 1.492(j)) is determined on the basis of the international application as published by WIPO pursuant to PCT Article 21. Specifically, the application size fee is calculated on the basis of the number of sheets of specification (including the description, claims, abstract, and, if present, a sequence listing in portable document format (PDF)) and drawings present in the published international application. This calculation is made without regard to the language of publication. Certain other sheets typically present in the international publication are not taken into account in determining the application size fee, e.g., Article 19 amendments/statement, the international search report, and any additional bibliographic sheets (other than the cover sheet containing the abstract). Nor are Article 34 amendments or preliminary amendments taken into account in determining the application size fee.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.492(j))Publication LanguageInternational PublicationArticle 19 Amendment Scope
Topic

Statement Under Article 19

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1893-01-c-c8e36c9efb208a75a3eac1f9]
Specification and Drawings Determine Application Size Fee
Note:
The application size fee is calculated based on the number of sheets of specification and drawings in the published international application, excluding certain documents like Article 19 amendments/statement and search report.

The application size fee for a national stage application (37 CFR 1.492(j)) is determined on the basis of the international application as published by WIPO pursuant to PCT Article 21. Specifically, the application size fee is calculated on the basis of the number of sheets of specification (including the description, claims, abstract, and, if present, a sequence listing in portable document format (PDF)) and drawings present in the published international application. This calculation is made without regard to the language of publication. Certain other sheets typically present in the international publication are not taken into account in determining the application size fee, e.g., Article 19 amendments/statement, the international search report, and any additional bibliographic sheets (other than the cover sheet containing the abstract). Nor are Article 34 amendments or preliminary amendments taken into account in determining the application size fee.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.492(j))Statement Under Article 19Article 19 Amendment TimingPCT Abstract Requirements
Topic

National Stage Entry Requirements

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1893-01-c-c08ffb8d1226585ffb000390]
Article 34 Amendments Not Considered in Fee Calculation
Note:
The application size fee for a national stage entry is not affected by Article 34 amendments or preliminary amendments.

The application size fee for a national stage application (37 CFR 1.492(j)) is determined on the basis of the international application as published by WIPO pursuant to PCT Article 21. Specifically, the application size fee is calculated on the basis of the number of sheets of specification (including the description, claims, abstract, and, if present, a sequence listing in portable document format (PDF)) and drawings present in the published international application. This calculation is made without regard to the language of publication. Certain other sheets typically present in the international publication are not taken into account in determining the application size fee, e.g., Article 19 amendments/statement, the international search report, and any additional bibliographic sheets (other than the cover sheet containing the abstract). Nor are Article 34 amendments or preliminary amendments taken into account in determining the application size fee.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.492(j))National Stage Entry RequirementsPCT FeesArticle 19 Amendment Scope
Topic

Fee Requirements

1 rules
MPEP GuidanceRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1893-01-c-56a81403fd8a62f1df301629]
Consult Official Gazette for Current Fees
Note:
Applicants and examiners must always check the Official Gazette for updated national stage fees.

Because the national stage fees are subject to change, applicants and examiners should always consult the Official Gazette for the current fee listing.

Jump to MPEP SourceFee RequirementsOfficial Gazette – Patents (MPEP 1730)Sequence Listing Requirements

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Effect of International Filing
National Stage Fees
Nationals and Residents
Surcharge Fee Amount
35 U.S.C. § 111(a)
Article 19 Amendment Scope
National Stage Fees
Nationals and Residents
35 U.S.C. § 371
National Stage Fees
Nationals and Residents
37 CFR § 1.16
National Stage Fees
Nationals and Residents
37 CFR § 1.25(b)
National Stage Fees
Nationals and Residents
37 CFR § 1.492
Article 19 Amendment Scope37 CFR § 1.492(d)
Article 19 Amendment Scope37 CFR § 1.492(f)
Surcharge Fee Amount37 CFR § 1.492(h)
Surcharge Fee Amount37 CFR § 1.492(i)
Article 19 Amendment Scope
National Stage Entry Requirements
National Stage Fees
Publication Language
Statement Under Article 19
37 CFR § 1.492(j)
Effect of International Filing
Nationals and Residents
Surcharge Fee Amount
37 CFR § 1.495(a)
Surcharge Fee Amount37 CFR § 1.495(c)(4)
Article 19 Amendment ScopeMPEP § 607
Article 19 Amendment Scope
National Stage Entry Requirements
National Stage Fees
Publication Language
Statement Under Article 19
PCT Article 21

Source Text from USPTO’s MPEP

This is an exact copy of the MPEP from the USPTO. It is here for your reference to see the section in context.

BlueIron Last Updated: 2025-12-31