Patent Law FAQ
This FAQ answers all your questions about patent law, patent procedure, and the patent examination process.
To qualify for micro entity status, an applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Qualify as a small entity
- Not be named as an inventor on more than 4 previously filed patent applications
- Not have a gross income exceeding 3 times the median household income in the previous calendar year
- Not have assigned, licensed, or be obligated to assign or license rights to an entity that exceeds the gross income limit
Alternatively, an applicant can qualify if they are employed by or have assigned rights to an institution of higher education.
Topics:
MPEP 500 – Receipt and Handling of Mail and Papers,
MPEP 509 – Payment of Fees,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure