How can I pay maintenance fees for multiple patents at once?
You can submit maintenance fee payments for multiple patents in a single submission. MPEP 2522 provides guidance on this process: “Maintenance fees for a number of patents can be submitted together in one submission and one payment. 37 CFR 1.366(e) specifies that if maintenance fee payments for more than one patent are submitted together, they…
Read MoreCan I pay patent maintenance fees with a credit card?
Yes, you can pay patent maintenance fees with a credit card. According to MPEP 2522: “The maintenance fee can be charged to a credit card as set forth in 37 CFR 1.23(b), but credit for the payment is subject to actual receipt of the fee by the Office.“ When using a credit card for payment,…
Read MoreWhat happens if I submit an insufficient payment for patent maintenance fees?
Submitting an insufficient payment for patent maintenance fees can have serious consequences. According to MPEP 2522: “A payment of less than the required amount, a payment in a manner other than that set forth in 37 CFR 1.23, or the filing of an authorization to charge a deposit account having insufficient funds, will not constitute…
Read MoreHow should foreign entities pay patent maintenance fees to the USPTO?
Foreign entities must adhere to specific requirements when paying patent maintenance fees to the USPTO. MPEP 2522 provides the following guidance: “Any remittance from a foreign country must be payable and immediately negotiable in the United States for the full amount of the maintenance fee and/or surcharge required.“ This means that foreign entities should ensure…
Read MoreCan I use a deposit account to pay patent maintenance fees?
Yes, you can use a deposit account to pay patent maintenance fees. MPEP 2522 states: “37 CFR 1.366(b) provides that maintenance fees and any necessary surcharge may be paid by authorization to charge a deposit account established pursuant to 37 CFR 1.25.“ However, there are important conditions to consider: The authorization must be submitted within…
Read MoreWhat are the acceptable methods of payment for patent maintenance fees?
According to MPEP 2522, the acceptable methods of payment for patent maintenance fees are: Cashier’s or certified check Treasury note National bank notes United States Postal Service money order Credit card Authorization to charge a deposit account The MPEP states: “The payment shall be made in U.S. dollars and in the form of a cashier’s…
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