How should maintenance fee payments be submitted to the USPTO?
Maintenance fee payments should be submitted according to specific guidelines outlined in MPEP 2515. Key points include:
- Payments must be submitted in the amount due on the date of payment
- Fees can be paid in the manner set forth in 37 CFR 1.23 or by authorization to charge a deposit account
- Payments must be submitted within the periods set forth in 37 CFR 1.362(d), (e), or (f)
- Maintenance fee payments should be submitted separately from other fee payments
- The Maintenance Fee Transmittal Form, PTO/SB/45, is recommended for mail or facsimile submissions
The MPEP states: “Maintenance fee payments and surcharge payments relating thereto must be submitted separate from any other payments for fees or charges, whether submitted in the manner set forth in § 1.23 or by an authorization to charge a deposit account.“
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2500 - Maintenance Fees,
MPEP 2515 - Information Required For Submission Of Maintenance Fee Payment,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure