Can maintenance fees be paid in advance?

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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. No, maintenance fees cannot be paid in advance. The MPEP 2506 clearly states: “Maintenance fees cannot be paid in advance since 35 U.S.C. 41(f) permits maintenance fees to be adjusted every year on October 1 to reflect any fluctuations during the previous 12 months in the Consumer Price Index as determined by the Secretary of Labor.” This provision allows for annual adjustments to maintenance fees, which is why they cannot be prepaid. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Maintenance Fees Cannot Be Paid In Advance MPEP 2506 Prohibited Window Period for Maintenance Fee Payments Without Surcharge MPEP 2506 Permitted Maintenance Fee Grace Periods for Utility Patents MPEP 2506 Window Period for Maintenance Fees Without Surcharge MPEP 2506 Window Periods for Maintenance Fees Must Be Paid Without Surcharge MPEP 2506 Last Day of Maintenance Fee Window Is Patent Grant Date Plus Years and Months MPEP 2506 Maintenance Fee Grace Periods Are 6 Months After Due Date MPEP 2506 Maintenance Fee With Surcharge Due on Anniversary Dates MPEP 2506 Permitted Patent Expiration Due to Late Maintenance Fee MPEP 2506 Grace Period for Utility Patent Maintenance Fees MPEP 2506 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How are maintenance fee due dates calculated for patents? What are the consequences of not paying a maintenance fee on time? Can maintenance fees be paid early? What happens if a maintenance fee is paid during the grace period? What happens if a maintenance fee due date falls on a weekend or holiday?