Is there a limit to how many patents I can check for maintenance fee status by phone?
Yes, there is a limit when checking maintenance fee status by phone. The MPEP clearly states: “Telephone status requests are limited to two patent numbers per telephone call.”
This limitation is likely in place to ensure efficient use of USPTO resources and to prevent long wait times for other callers. If you need to check the status of more than two patents, you have two options:
- Make multiple phone calls, each time requesting information for up to two patents.
- Use the online system at https://fees.uspto.gov/MaintenanceFees, which does not have such limitations.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2500 - Maintenance Fees,
MPEP 2570 - Maintenance Fee Payment Status Requests,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure