Can I submit maintenance fee payments by mail?

Yes, you can submit maintenance fee payments by mail, although electronic submissions are preferred. The MPEP 2510 provides guidance on mailing maintenance fee payments: “Non-electronic payments should be sent to: United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 979071, St. Louis, MO 63197-9000.” When submitting by mail, ensure that you include all necessary information and…

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What are intervening rights in reinstated patents?

Intervening rights in reinstated patents are legal protections provided by 35 U.S.C. 41(c)(2) for individuals or businesses who used or made substantial preparations to use a patented invention during the period when the patent had lapsed due to non-payment of maintenance fees, but before it was reinstated. According to MPEP § 2591: “No patent, the…

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