Is the small entity discount available for the patent application publication fee?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules 4 Related FAQs 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. No, the small entity discount is not available for the patent application publication fee. The MPEP explicitly states: “ The small entity discount is not available for the publication fee. ” ( MPEP 1126 ) This means that all applicants, regardless of their entity size, must pay the full publication fee as set forth in 37 CFR 1.18(d). It’s important for small entities to budget accordingly, as they cannot apply the discount typically available for other patent-related fees. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Publication Fee Not Discounted for Small Entities MPEP 1126 Publication Fee Due at Issue MPEP 1126 No Publication Fee Required After January 1, 2014 MPEP 1126 Publication Fee Must Be Paid Before Patent Grant MPEP 1126 Required Publication Fee Required with Notice of Allowance MPEP 1126 Required No Publication Fee Required for Abandoned Applications MPEP 1126 Required Publication Fee Must Be Paid Within Three Months MPEP 1126 Required Publication Fee Must Be Paid Within Three Months MPEP 1126 Publication Fee Must Be Paid Before Issue MPEP 1126 Required Publication Fee Not Refunded If Patented MPEP 1126 Other Related FAQs 4 FAQs Collapse What is the current publication fee for patent applications? When is the publication fee for a patent application due? Is the publication fee refundable if my patent application is not published? What happens to the publication fee if I file a Request for Continued Examination (RCE) after receiving a Notice of Allowance?