How do I claim small entity status for patent maintenance fees?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-29 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. To claim small entity status for patent maintenance fees, follow these steps: Verify that you meet the small entity requirements as defined in MPEP 2550 . Submit a written assertion of entitlement to small entity status. Pay the reduced fee amount for small entities. According to the MPEP: “A small entity assertion must be filed in order to pay reduced patent fees as a small entity. A small entity assertion is only required to be filed once in an application or patent.” It’s important to note that your status can change, and you must notify the USPTO if you no longer qualify for small entity status. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Assertion of Small Entity Status Only Required Once MPEP 2550 Required Who Can Sign Assertion for Small Entity Status MPEP 2550 Permitted Assertion of Small Entity Status Required for Maintenance Fee Discount MPEP 2550 Required Written Notification Required for Loss of Small Entity Status MPEP 2550 Check for Loss of Small Entity Status Before Paying Maintenance Fees MPEP 2550 Maintenance Fee Payment Includes Entity Status Change MPEP 2550 Permitted Reduced Maintenance Fees for Small/Micro Entities MPEP 2550 Permitted Assertion of Small Entity Status Required for CPA MPEP 201.06(d) Certification Required for Micro Entity Status MPEP 2550 Required Assertion Required for Small Entity Status MPEP 509.03(a) Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How can I change my entity status for maintenance fee payments? Can I change my entity status after paying a maintenance fee? Can a patent owner change entity status between maintenance fee payments? How can I claim entitlement to small entity status for maintenance fees? What h...