What are the different types of entity status for patent maintenance fees?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 10 Rules 5 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. There are three types of entity status for patent maintenance fees: Large entity: Standard fee rate Small entity: 50% discount on fees Micro entity: 75% discount on fees The USPTO states in MPEP 2550 : “Three different types of entity status are defined in 35 U.S.C. 41(h) and 37 CFR 1.27 for purposes of paying reduced patent fees: small entity status, micro entity status, and large entity status.” Each status has specific eligibility requirements and offers different levels of fee reduction. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Who Can Sign Assertion for Small Entity Status MPEP 2550 Permitted Check for Loss of Small Entity Status Before Paying Maintenance Fees MPEP 2550 Certification of Micro Entity Status Must Be Signed by Authorized Person MPEP 2550 Required Maintenance Fee Payment Includes Entity Status Change MPEP 2550 Permitted Assertion of Small Entity Status Required for Maintenance Fee Discount MPEP 2550 Required Assertion of Small Entity Status Only Required Once MPEP 2550 Required Certification Required for Micro Entity Status MPEP 2550 Required Refunds Apply to Small Entity but Not Micro Entity Status Changes MPEP 2550 Written Notification Required for Loss of Small Entity Status MPEP 2550 Notification of Loss of Micro Entity Status Must Be Filed Before Fee Payment MPEP 2550 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How can I change my entity status for maintenance fee payments? Can I change my entity status after paying a maintenance fee? Can a patent owner change entity status between maintenance fee payments? How can I claim entitlement to small entity status for maintenance fees? What happens if a maintenance fee is paid at the wrong...