Where can I find the current patent maintenance fee amounts?

To find the current patent maintenance fee amounts, you have two primary options according to MPEP 2520: Contact the Maintenance Fee Branch of the USPTO directly. Visit the USPTO Fee Information website. The MPEP states: “The Maintenance Fee Branch may be contacted or the USPTO Fee Information website (www.uspto.gov/Fees) may be accessed for the current…

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How are fees handled in merged reexamination proceedings?

In merged reexamination proceedings, the USPTO simplifies the fee structure. According to MPEP 2686.01: “Where the proceedings have been merged and a paper is filed which requires payment of a fee (e.g., excess claims fee, extension of time fee, petition fee, appeal fee, brief fee, oral hearing fee), only a single fee need be paid.”…

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