How does the USPTO handle overpayment of issue or publication fees?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 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. The USPTO has specific procedures for handling overpayments of issue or publication fees. According to MPEP 1306 : “An overpayment of an issue fee will be refunded to the applicant or, if the applicant so instructs, may be applied to another application of the applicant. Overpayment of less than $1 will not be refunded unless specifically requested within a reasonable time.” This means that if you overpay the issue or publication fee, you have two options: Request a refund of the overpayment Apply the overpayment to another of your patent applications However, note that overpayments of less than $1 will only be refunded if you specifically request it within a reasonable timeframe. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Issue Fee and Publication Fee Not Extensible MPEP 1306 Required Issue Fee and Publication Fee Must Be Paid as Specified in Notice of Allowance MPEP 1306 Required Three-Month Issue Fee Due After Allowance MPEP 1306 Required Publication Fee Due at Issue MPEP 1306 Required Issue Fee Not Reflecting Previous Payment MPEP 1306 Previously Paid Issue Fee Can Be Reapplied MPEP 1306 Issue Fee Due After Withdrawal and RCE MPEP 1306 Issue Fee Reduced for Small and Micro Entities MPEP 1306 General Authorization for Issue Fee Payment MPEP 1306 Required Correct Issue Fee Payment Allowed After Notice of Allowance MPEP 1306 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Can the deadline for paying the issue fee be extended? What is the process for deferring issuance of a patent? How do I request simultaneous issuance of patents? What happens if I pay an incorrect issue fee amount? What is the significance of the issue fee payment date?