When did the USPTO introduce the non-electronic filing portion of the PCT transmittal fee?

The USPTO introduced the non-electronic filing portion of the PCT transmittal fee for international applications filed on or after November 15, 2011. This change was implemented to encourage electronic filing and improve efficiency in the application process. As stated in the MPEP: “For international applications filed on or after November 15, 2011, the transmittal fee…

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What are the fees associated with international preliminary examination?

The fees associated with international preliminary examination include: The preliminary examination fee, which benefits the International Preliminary Examining Authority (e.g., USPTO) The handling fee, which benefits the International Bureau and is collected by the International Preliminary Examining Authority As stated in the MPEP, “The current amount of both the preliminary examination fee and the handling…

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How can I avoid paying the non-electronic filing portion of the PCT transmittal fee?

To avoid paying the non-electronic filing portion of the PCT transmittal fee, you should file your international application electronically using the USPTO’s Electronic Filing System (EFS-Web). This additional fee is only applicable to applications filed on paper. The MPEP states: “The non-electronic filing portion is applicable where applicant files the international application in paper rather…

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Are there any additional Chapter II fees beyond the preliminary examination and handling fees?

Generally, there are no additional Chapter II fees beyond the preliminary examination fee and the handling fee. However, there is one exception: An additional preliminary examination fee may be required if additional inventions are determined to be present in the application. As stated in the MPEP: “Since supplements to the handling fee were deleted, no…

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