How should I submit patent maintenance fee payments?
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.
Patent maintenance fee payments can be submitted in two ways:
- Electronically: This is the preferred method. Payments can be made through the USPTO’s Patent Maintenance Fees Storefront.
- By mail: If not submitted electronically, maintenance fee payments and related correspondence should be addressed to:
Mail Stop Maintenance Fee
Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
P.O. Box 1450
Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
The MPEP states: Maintenance fee payments not electronically submitted over the Internet 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, VA 22313-1450
It’s important to note that electronic submission is faster, more secure, and provides immediate confirmation of payment.