Are there any fee reductions or waivers available for USPTO patent fees?

Are there any fee reductions or waivers available for USPTO patent fees?

Yes, the USPTO offers fee reductions for certain applicants. According to MPEP 509, “Certain fees may be reduced if the applicant qualifies as a small entity or micro entity.” Here’s a brief overview:

• Small Entity: Individuals, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations may qualify for a 50% fee reduction.
• Micro Entity: Certain applicants may qualify for a 75% fee reduction if they meet specific income and filing requirements.

To determine if you qualify and for detailed information on how to claim these statuses, refer to MPEP 509.02 for Small Entity Status and MPEP 509.04 for Micro Entity Status. Always ensure you meet all requirements before claiming a reduced fee status.

To learn more:

• fee reduction
• small entity
• micro entity
• patent fees