How is the transmittal fee for an international design application determined?
The transmittal fee for an international design application filed through the USPTO as an office of indirect filing is determined based on the entity status of the applicant. According to MPEP 2910: “The transmittal fee is discounted for small and micro entities. Payment, by any party, of the exact amount of the small entity transmittal…
Read MoreWhat is the non-electronic filing portion of the PCT transmittal fee?
The non-electronic filing portion of the PCT transmittal fee is an additional fee charged by the USPTO for international applications filed on paper rather than through the USPTO’s electronic filing system (EFS-Web). This fee was introduced for applications filed on or after November 15, 2011. As stated in the MPEP: “For international applications filed on…
Read MoreWhen 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…
Read MoreWhat determines the amount of international filing, transmittal, and search fees for PCT applications?
The amount of international filing, transmittal, and search fees for PCT applications is determined by the fees in effect on the date the international application is received by the USPTO. This is based on several PCT Rules and US regulations: PCT Rule 14.1(c) PCT Rule 15.3 PCT Rule 16.1(f) 37 CFR 1.431(c) As stated in…
Read MoreHow 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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