Who can pay maintenance fees for a patent?

According to MPEP 2515, anyone can pay maintenance fees for a patent. Specifically, the section states: “The patentee may pay maintenance fees and any necessary surcharges or any person or organization may pay maintenance fees and any necessary surcharges on behalf of the patentee.“ This means that the patent owner, a legal representative, or even…

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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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How are maintenance fee amounts determined for patents?

Maintenance fee amounts for patents are set by 37 CFR 1.20(e)-(h) and are subject to adjustment based on fluctuations in the Consumer Price Index, as per 35 U.S.C. 41(f). The MPEP states: “The maintenance fee amounts are subject to adjustment to reflect fluctuations occurring in the Consumer Price Index pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 41(f).” Additionally,…

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How are publication and issue fees handled for international design applications entering U.S. national processing?

For international design applications entering U.S. national processing, the handling of publication and issue fees differs from standard U.S. design applications. The MPEP 2920 provides important information: “The publication fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.18(b)(1) is not required for an international design application designating the United States that was published by the International Bureau.”…

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