What additional fees may be required for late submission of documents in a PCT national stage application?
Late submission of certain documents in a PCT national stage application may incur additional fees. According to MPEP 1893.01(c):
“The processing fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.492(i) will be required for acceptance of an English translation of the international application later than the expiration of thirty months after the priority date, and the surcharge fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.492(h) will be required for acceptance of any of the search fee, examination fee, or inventor’s oath or declaration after the date of commencement.”
These additional fees are designed to encourage timely submission of required documents and fees. Applicants should be aware of these potential surcharges and plan accordingly to avoid unnecessary additional costs.
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