Can I use my USPTO deposit account for international patent applications?

Can I use my USPTO deposit account for international patent applications?

Yes, you can use your USPTO deposit account for certain fees associated with international patent applications. The MPEP states: “Deposit accounts can be used for payment of any patent process fee except for international phase fees paid to the International Bureau.” (MPEP 509.01)

This means you can use your deposit account for:

• PCT fees payable to the USPTO as a Receiving Office
• National stage entry fees for U.S. national applications
• Other USPTO-related fees for international applications

However, it’s important to note that fees payable directly to the International Bureau of WIPO cannot be charged to your USPTO deposit account. For those fees, you’ll need to use alternative payment methods specified by WIPO.

To learn more:

• USPTO deposit account
• international patent applications
• PCT fees
• WIPO fees