How does the USPTO handle a maintenance fee payment with only a patent number?
When a maintenance fee payment is submitted with only a patent number and no application number, the USPTO has two options. According to MPEP 2530, If a maintenance fee payment identifies only the patent number (i.e., does not identify the application number for the patent on which the maintenance fee is being paid), the Office…
Read MoreWhat happens if the patent number and application number in a maintenance fee payment don’t match?
When a maintenance fee payment includes both a patent number and an application number that do not correspond to the same patent, the USPTO has a specific procedure. According to MPEP 2530, When a patent number and an application number are both supplied, but they do not correspond to the same patent, the Office will…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO handle a maintenance fee payment with only an application number?
When a maintenance fee payment is submitted with only an application number and no patent number, the USPTO has specific procedures in place. According to MPEP 2530, If a maintenance fee is due on the patent identified by the application number and the payment submitted is sufficient, the Office may apply the payment to the…
Read MoreWhat happens if the first maintenance fee payment was not properly processed?
If the USPTO determines that the first maintenance fee payment was not properly processed, they follow a specific procedure. According to MPEP 2532: “If a review of the Office record of the first maintenance fee payment reveals that the first payment was not properly processed (e.g., did not comply with 37 CFR 1.366(c) or was…
Read MoreWhat happens if insufficient information is provided with a maintenance fee payment?
If insufficient information is provided with a maintenance fee payment, the USPTO may take certain actions. According to MPEP 2515: “If the payment includes identification of only the patent number (i.e., does not identify the application number of the United States application for the patent on which the maintenance fee is being paid), the Office…
Read More