How should fees be itemized when submitting payment to the USPTO?
The USPTO requires clear itemization of fees to ensure proper accounting. According to MPEP 509:
37 CFR 1.22(b) sets forth that fees must be itemized in such a manner that it is clear for which purpose fees are paid. The Office may return fees that are not itemized.
However, the MPEP clarifies that the itemization requirement is not meant to create problems when the purpose is clear:
- A reference to ‘filing fee(s)’ is sufficient to cover all types of filing fees.
- In later submissions, ‘filing fee(s)’ would also cover surcharges.
- A reference to ‘any corresponding fee under 37 CFR 1.16’ covers any fee under that section.
The key is to provide enough information for the USPTO to understand the purpose of the payment.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 500 - Receipt and Handling of Mail and Papers,
MPEP 509 - Payment of Fees,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure