How does claiming small entity status affect patent fees?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 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. Claiming small entity status can significantly reduce patent fees. According to MPEP 509.03 , “Claiming small entity status allows the payment of certain reduced patent fees pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 41(h)(1).” This means that small entities, such as independent inventors, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations, can pay reduced fees for many patent-related services, typically 50% of the standard fee. However, it’s important to ensure eligibility before claiming this status to avoid potential issues later in the patent process. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Assertion of Small Entity Status Can Be Signed by Assignee MPEP 509.03 Permitted Payment of Small Entity Fees Establishes Status MPEP 509.03 Notification Requirement for Lost Small Entity Status MPEP 509.03 Who Can Assert Small Entity Status for an Application? MPEP 509.03 Small Entity Status by Exact Fee Payment MPEP 509.03 Assertion of Small Entity Status Required for Fee Payment MPEP 509.03 Required Assertion of Small Entity Status Contains Certification MPEP 509.03 Required Notification Requirement for Lost Small Entity Status MPEP 509.03 Small Entity Status Must Be Specifically Established In Each Application MPEP 509.03 Required Small Entity Status Must Be Reasserted for CIPs MPEP 509.03 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is the difference between small entity and micro entity status? How does licensing affect small entity status? How do I claim small entity status for a patent application? How does government funding affect small entity status? What happens if I wrongly claim small entity status?