Are there any fee reductions available for U.S. national stage applications?
Yes, there are fee reductions available for U.S. national stage applications based on the applicant’s entity status. The MPEP 1893.01(c) states: “Applicants qualifying for small entity status are entitled to a reduction of 50% of certain national fees. Applicants qualifying for micro entity status are entitled to a reduction of 75% of certain national fees.”…
Read MoreDo I need to recertify micro entity status after assigning rights to another micro entity?
No, you do not need to recertify micro entity status after assigning rights to another micro entity. The MPEP 509.04(d) clearly states: ‘Where an assignment of rights or an obligation to assign rights to other parties who are micro entities occurs subsequent to the filing of a certification of entitlement to micro entity status, a…
Read MoreHow is micro entity status determined for higher education institutions?
Micro entity status for higher education institutions is determined under 35 U.S.C. 123(d). According to MPEP 509.04(d): ‘For micro entity status under 35 U.S.C. 123(d), the applicant must determine that each applicant still complies with 37 CFR 1.29(d) (e.g., still obtains the majority of his or her income from an institution of higher education as…
Read MoreHow is micro entity status determined for gross income basis?
For micro entity status based on gross income under 37 CFR 1.29(a), applicants must regularly reassess their eligibility. The MPEP 509.04(d) explains: ‘For micro entity status on the gross income basis under 37 CFR 1.29(a), the applicant must determine that the applicant and each inventor or joint inventor still meet the applicable conditions of 37…
Read MoreWhat happens if I no longer qualify for micro entity status?
If you no longer meet the requirements for micro entity status, you must notify the USPTO and adjust your fee payments accordingly. The MPEP 509.04(d) states: ‘If any requirement for micro entity status is no longer met, then the applicant must notify the Office of loss of micro entity status and pay the required fee…
Read MoreHow often do I need to certify micro entity status?
According to MPEP 509.04(d), a certification of entitlement to micro entity status needs to be filed only once in an application or patent. The MPEP states: ‘A certification of entitlement to micro entity status need only be filed once in an application or patent. Micro entity status, once established, remains in effect until changed pursuant…
Read MoreHow is the deficiency owed calculated for micro entity fee errors?
The deficiency owed for micro entity fee errors is calculated according to 37 CFR 1.29(k)(2). The MPEP states: The deficiency owed for each previous fee erroneously paid as a micro entity is the difference between the current fee amount for a small entity or non-small entity, as applicable, on the date the deficiency is paid…
Read MoreWhat happens if I don’t comply with the requirements for correcting micro entity status errors?
If you fail to comply with the requirements for correcting micro entity status errors, as outlined in 37 CFR 1.29(k)(1) and (k)(2), the USPTO has two options: Treat it as an authorization to process the deficiency payment and charge a processing fee Require compliance within a non-extendable one-month period The MPEP states: If the requirements…
Read MoreHow can I correct an error in micro entity status?
To correct an error in micro entity status, you need to follow the procedure outlined in 37 CFR 1.29(k). This involves: Submitting a separate deficiency payment for each application or patent Providing an itemization of the total deficiency payment Paying the deficiency owed The MPEP states: 37 CFR 1.29(k) contains provisions for a micro entity…
Read MoreCan I correct micro entity status errors for multiple applications or patents at once?
No, you cannot correct micro entity status errors for multiple applications or patents in a single submission. The MPEP, citing 37 CFR 1.29(k)(1), states: Any paper submitted under this paragraph must be limited to the deficiency payment (all fees paid in error) required for a single application or patent. Where more than one application or…
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