What is small entity status and how do I claim it?
Small entity status allows certain applicants to pay reduced patent fees. To claim small entity status, you must make an assertion of entitlement in one of two ways: Submit a written assertion signed by the applicant, a patent practitioner, an inventor, or an assignee Pay the exact small entity basic filing fee, basic national fee,…
Read MoreHow can I pay patent fees to the USPTO?
How can I pay patent fees to the USPTO? The USPTO offers several methods for paying patent fees. According to MPEP 509: “Fees can be paid: (A) by credit card, (B) by electronic funds transfer (EFT), (C) by check, (D) by money order, (E) by deposit account, or (F) in cash (for hand-carried applications only).”…
Read MoreHow can I regain micro entity status after losing it?
To regain micro entity status after losing it, you must file a new certification of entitlement to micro entity status. As stated in MPEP 509.04(e): Once a notification of a loss of entitlement to micro entity status is filed in the application or patent, a new certification of entitlement to micro entity status is required…
Read MoreHow can I replenish my USPTO deposit account?
How can I replenish my USPTO deposit account? You can replenish your USPTO deposit account through various methods. According to MPEP 509.01, “Deposits to these accounts may be made by electronic funds transfer, credit card, or check.” Here are the options: Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT): This is the preferred method for replenishing deposit accounts. Credit…
Read MoreHow can I request a refund for my USPTO deposit account?
How can I request a refund for my USPTO deposit account? To request a refund for your USPTO deposit account, you need to follow these steps: Submit a written request to the USPTO Office of Finance Include your deposit account number and the amount to be refunded Provide a detailed explanation for the refund request…
Read MoreHow do I set up a deposit account with the USPTO?
How do I set up a deposit account with the USPTO? To set up a deposit account with the USPTO: Visit the USPTO Deposit Accounts page Download and complete the Deposit Account Application Form Submit the form with an initial deposit (minimum $1,000) Wait for account approval and receive your account number According to MPEP…
Read MoreWhat is the 75% fee reduction for small entities filing electronically?
The USPTO offers an additional fee reduction for small entities that file patent applications electronically. According to MPEP 509.02: The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005, provides that the filing fee charged under 35 U.S.C. 41(a)(1)(A) shall be reduced by 75 percent with respect to its application to any small entity ‘if the application is filed by…
Read MoreHow can an applicant appeal a refusal to grant a filing date?
An applicant can appeal a refusal to grant a filing date by submitting a petition. The MPEP states: “Any review of the refusal to grant a filing date as of the date of deposit of the application would be by way of petition, accompanied by the petition fee (37 CFR 1.17(f)).” When submitting a petition,…
Read MoreHow should joint inventors sign a micro entity certification?
For joint inventor applicants, MPEP 509.04(c) states that “each joint inventor should sign a separate copy of the relevant micro entity certification form.” However, there is an exception: “If one joint inventor is appointed to prosecute the application on behalf of all the other joint inventors, then only that one joint inventor need sign the…
Read MoreCan a legal assistant or secretary sign correspondence on behalf of a patent practitioner?
Can a legal assistant or secretary sign correspondence on behalf of a patent practitioner? No, a legal assistant or secretary cannot sign correspondence on behalf of a patent practitioner. The MPEP 502.02 clearly states: ‘The signature of a practitioner on correspondence filed with the USPTO must be a handwritten signature or an S-signature personally signed…
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