Are there reduced maintenance fees for small and micro entities?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. Yes, there are significant reductions in maintenance fees for small and micro entities. According to MPEP 2520 : “The maintenance fee amounts (37 CFR 1.20(e)-(h)) are subject to a 50% reduction for small entities pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 41(h) and a 75% reduction for micro entities.” This means that small entities pay only half of the standard maintenance fee, while micro entities pay only a quarter of the standard fee. These reductions are designed to make patent maintenance more affordable for smaller businesses and individual inventors. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Maintenance Fees Reduced for Small and Micro Entities MPEP 2520 Current Maintenance Fee Amounts Must Be Obtained From USPTO MPEP 2520 Permitted Fee Amounts for Maintenance and Grace Period Surcharge Set MPEP 2520 Consumer Price Index Adjusted Maintenance Fees Required MPEP 2520 Refund of Maintenance Fees Not Permitted Except as Specified MPEP 2520 Patentee Cannot Obtain Maintenance Fee Refund MPEP 2520 Prohibited Effect of Terminal Disclaimer on Patent Term MPEP 2520 Full Maintenance Fee Due Before Expiration MPEP 2520 Required Full Maintenance Fee Due Before Expiration MPEP 2520 Prohibited Refund for Duplicate Maintenance Fee Payments MPEP 2520 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Where can I find the current patent maintenance fee amounts? How are maintenance fee amounts determined for patents? Can maintenance fees be prorated for patents expiring between due dates? Are maintenance fees refundable if a patent expires early? How does a terminal disclaimer affect maintenance fee payments?