What are the income limitations for qualifying as a micro entity?
What are the income limitations for qualifying as a micro entity?
To qualify as a micro entity based on income, an applicant’s gross income in the previous calendar year must not exceed three times the median household income as reported by the Bureau of the Census. The MPEP states:
“The income limit is not described in terms of a specific dollar amount because median household income may change from year to year.” (MPEP 509.04(a))
For the most current income threshold, applicants should check the USPTO’s website or consult with a patent attorney. It’s important to note that this limit applies to each applicant, inventor, and joint inventor who is named in the application.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 500 - Receipt and Handling of Mail and Papers,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure