Can international design application fees be paid through the USPTO?

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, certain international fees for an international design application can be paid through the USPTO, but with specific conditions. According to MPEP 2910:

“Certain international fees payable to the International Bureau may be paid through the USPTO as an office of indirect filing, provided such fees are paid no later than the date of payment of the transmittal fee.”

However, there are important considerations:

• Payments through the USPTO must be in U.S. dollars.
• Due to currency conversion, applicants may still be required to pay additional amounts to the International Bureau if the converted amount is insufficient.
• Fees cannot be paid through the USPTO after the date of payment of the transmittal fee.
• Renewal fees for international registrations cannot be paid through the USPTO.

Applicants have the option to pay fees directly to the International Bureau to avoid potential currency conversion issues.