How should I submit maintenance fee payments to the USPTO?

Maintenance fee payments have a specific mailing address if not submitted electronically. According to MPEP 501, which cites 37 CFR 1.1(d):

Maintenance fee payments that are not submitted electronically and correspondence related to maintenance fees may be addressed to: Mail Stop Maintenance Fee, Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450.

However, it’s important to note that the USPTO strongly encourages electronic submission of maintenance fee payments. The Electronic Maintenance Fee Form is the preferred method for these transactions.

If you must submit a paper payment, ensure it’s properly addressed to avoid delays in processing. Include all necessary information, such as the patent number and the fee amount being paid.

For more information on USPTO correspondence, visit: USPTO correspondence.