How long does small entity status last?

Once small entity status is established in an application or patent, it remains in effect until:

• The issue fee is due, or
• Any maintenance fee is due

At these points, a new determination of entitlement to small entity status is required. As stated in 37 CFR 1.27(g)(1): “Once small entity status is established in an application or patent, fees as a small entity may thereafter be paid in that application or patent without regard to a change in status until the issue fee is due or any maintenance fee is due.”

To learn more:

• small entity status
• patent fees
• patent maintenance