Can maintenance fees be paid in advance?
No, maintenance fees cannot be paid in advance. The MPEP 2506 clearly states: “Maintenance fees cannot be paid in advance since 35 U.S.C. 41(f) permits maintenance fees to be adjusted every year on October 1 to reflect any fluctuations during the previous 12 months in the Consumer Price Index as determined by the Secretary of…
Read MoreHow are maintenance fee amounts determined for patents?
Maintenance fee amounts for patents are set by 37 CFR 1.20(e)-(h) and are subject to adjustment based on fluctuations in the Consumer Price Index, as per 35 U.S.C. 41(f). The MPEP states: “The maintenance fee amounts are subject to adjustment to reflect fluctuations occurring in the Consumer Price Index pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 41(f).” Additionally,…
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