How does the USPTO verify and process duplicate maintenance fee payments?
The USPTO follows a specific process to verify and handle duplicate maintenance fee payments. According to MPEP 2532: “If the duplicate payment does comply with 37 CFR 1.366(c) by containing both the patent number and the corroborating application number, the Office will verify that the first payment was properly processed.“ The Office then takes one…
Read MoreWhat should I do if there’s a discrepancy in the maintenance fee status information provided by the USPTO?
If you encounter a discrepancy in the maintenance fee status information provided by the USPTO, take the following steps: Double-check your records: Ensure that your own payment records are accurate and up-to-date. Contact the USPTO Office of Finance: Call 571-272-6500 to speak with a representative who can verify the information in their system. Provide evidence:…
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