What payment methods are accepted for patent maintenance fees?
The USPTO accepts various payment methods for patent maintenance fees. According to MPEP 2510: “Maintenance fee payments can be made electronically over the Internet at www.uspto.gov by credit card, electronic funds transfer (EFT), or by an USPTO deposit account.” Additionally, for those who prefer non-electronic methods, the MPEP states: “Payments may be made by check,…
Read MoreWhat factors should be considered when determining a patent’s expiration date for supplemental examination?
When determining a patent’s expiration date for supplemental examination purposes, several factors should be considered. According to MPEP 2808, these factors include: The term of the patent Whether maintenance fees have been paid Any disclaimers filed to shorten the patent term Patent term extensions or adjustments for delays within the USPTO under 35 U.S.C. 154…
Read MoreCan 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…
Read MoreWhat happens if I submit an insufficient payment for patent maintenance fees?
Submitting an insufficient payment for patent maintenance fees can have serious consequences. According to MPEP 2522: “A payment of less than the required amount, a payment in a manner other than that set forth in 37 CFR 1.23, or the filing of an authorization to charge a deposit account having insufficient funds, will not constitute…
Read MoreHow can I change the correspondence address for a patent?
To change the correspondence address for a patent, you can follow these steps: Use the Office form Change of Correspondence Address, Patent (PTO/SB/123) to request a change for an issued patent. Send the request to the Office of Patent Application Processing during the enforceable life of the patent. Include both the patent number and the…
Read MoreHow should foreign entities pay patent maintenance fees to the USPTO?
Foreign entities must adhere to specific requirements when paying patent maintenance fees to the USPTO. MPEP 2522 provides the following guidance: “Any remittance from a foreign country must be payable and immediately negotiable in the United States for the full amount of the maintenance fee and/or surcharge required.“ This means that foreign entities should ensure…
Read MoreCan I use a deposit account to pay patent maintenance fees?
Yes, you can use a deposit account to pay patent maintenance fees. MPEP 2522 states: “37 CFR 1.366(b) provides that maintenance fees and any necessary surcharge may be paid by authorization to charge a deposit account established pursuant to 37 CFR 1.25.“ However, there are important conditions to consider: The authorization must be submitted within…
Read MoreWhat happens if the USPTO can’t reach a patent owner at their address of record?
What happens if the USPTO can’t reach a patent owner at their address of record? If the USPTO cannot reach a patent owner at their address of record, it may have serious consequences for the patent. According to MPEP 2805: “It is important for the Office to have a correct address for the patent owner.…
Read MoreDo I need to withdraw as a practitioner to change the correspondence address?
No, you do not need to withdraw as a practitioner solely to change the correspondence address. The MPEP clearly states: “It is not required that a practitioner file a request for permission to withdraw pursuant to 37 CFR 1.36 solely for the purpose of changing the correspondence address in a patented file.” This means that…
Read MoreWhat are the acceptable methods of payment for patent maintenance fees?
According to MPEP 2522, the acceptable methods of payment for patent maintenance fees are: Cashier’s or certified check Treasury note National bank notes United States Postal Service money order Credit card Authorization to charge a deposit account The MPEP states: “The payment shall be made in U.S. dollars and in the form of a cashier’s…
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