How can I hand-deliver maintenance fee payments to the USPTO?
The USPTO allows for hand delivery of maintenance fee payments. According to the MPEP:
“Maintenance fee payments may be hand-carried to the Patent Customer Service Window in Room 1B11 of the Randolph Building, 401 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.”
When hand-delivering a maintenance fee payment:
- Place the payment in an envelope with “MAINTENANCE FEE” written clearly across it.
- Bring the envelope to the Patent Customer Service Window.
- For a delivery receipt, bring an itemized postcard, which the receptionist will date stamp.
Note that while the receptionist will not process the payment, they will provide a delivery receipt if requested. This can serve as proof of timely submission.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2500 - Maintenance Fees,
MPEP 2510 - Submission Of Maintenance Fee Payments And Documents,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure