How does the USPTO handle discounted maintenance fee payments without proper entity status?

When a maintenance fee payment is submitted at a discounted rate (small or micro entity) without proper documentation of entity status, the USPTO will consider it insufficient. According to MPEP 2531: “If a payment is deemed insufficient because the payment was submitted in a discounted amount but entitlement to the entity status (small or micro)…

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Are there fee reductions available for small entities and micro entities?

Yes, fee reductions are available for small entities and micro entities when filing a supplemental examination request. According to the MPEP: “These fees qualify for a 50 percent reduction for small entities and a 75 percent reduction for micro entities.” This reduction applies to the fees required for supplemental examination, including the filing fee, ex…

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How are small and micro entity discounts applied to international design application fees?

Small and micro entity discounts are applied to certain fees for international design applications, as explained in MPEP 2910: “The transmittal fee is discounted for small and micro entities. […] The first and second parts of the individual designation fee for the United States are discounted for small and micro entities.” Key points about these…

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What fees are associated with patent reexamination?

Patent reexamination involves several fees as outlined in MPEP 2233: Request fee (37 CFR 1.20(c)(1) or (c)(2)) Addition of claims fees (37 CFR 1.20(c)(3) and (c)(4)) Extension of time fees Appeal, appeal forwarding, and oral hearing fees (37 CFR 41.20(b)) Petition fees (37 CFR 1.17(m) and 1.20(c)(6)) The MPEP states: “No fee is required for…

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Are fee reductions available for patent reexamination?

Yes, fee reductions are available for patent reexamination, but with certain limitations. According to MPEP 2233: “Small entity and micro entity reductions are available to the patent owner for excess claim fees, appeal, appeal forwarding, and oral hearing fees. For the request and petition fees, small entity reductions are available to both third party requesters…

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What are entity status discounts for maintenance fees?

Entity status discounts are reduced maintenance fees available for patentees who can establish entitlement to small or micro entity status. According to MPEP 2550, “Reduced maintenance fees are available for patentees that can establish entitlement to small or micro entity status.” This means that qualifying entities can pay lower fees to maintain their patents. To…

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