What is a fee address and how do I establish one for maintenance fee purposes?

A fee address is a designated address for correspondence related to maintenance fees. To establish a fee address for maintenance fee purposes, you should use the “‘Fee Address’ Indication Form,” Form PTO/SB/47. MPEP 2595 states: “The following forms are suggested when submitting a maintenance fee or establishing a fee address for maintenance fee purposes. […]…

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What are entity status discounts for maintenance fees?

Entity status discounts are reduced maintenance fees available for patentees who can establish entitlement to small or micro entity status. According to MPEP 2550, “Reduced maintenance fees are available for patentees that can establish entitlement to small or micro entity status.” This means that qualifying entities can pay lower fees to maintain their patents. To…

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Can I designate a separate fee address for maintenance fee communications?

Yes, you can designate a separate fee address specifically for maintenance fee communications. This is particularly useful if you want to direct maintenance fee notices to a different address than other patent correspondence. The MPEP states: “Practitioners of record when the patent issues who do not wish to receive correspondence relating to maintenance fees must…

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Do design or plant patents require maintenance fees?

No, design and plant patents do not require maintenance fees. The MPEP 2501 clearly states: “No fee may be established for maintaining a design or plant patent in force.” This means that once a design or plant patent is granted, it remains in force for its full term without the need for periodic maintenance fee…

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What is the difference between a correspondence address and a fee address?

The correspondence address and fee address serve different purposes in patent communications: Correspondence Address: Used for general communications related to the patent, including notices and receipts during prosecution and after issuance. Fee Address: Specifically designated for communications related to maintenance fees. The MPEP notes: “Unless a fee address has been designated, notices, receipts, and other…

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