What form should I use to petition for acceptance of a late maintenance fee payment?
If you need to petition for acceptance of a late maintenance fee payment, you should use Form PTO/SB/66. According to MPEP 2595:
“Form PTO/SB/66 (“Petition to Accept Unintentionally Delayed Payment of Maintenance Fee in an Expired Patent ( 37 CFR 1.378(b) )”) may be used to file a petition under 37 CFR 1.378(b).”
This form is specifically designed for situations where a patent has expired due to unintentional failure to pay a maintenance fee. It allows patent holders to request reinstatement of their patent rights under 37 CFR 1.378(b).
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2500 - Maintenance Fees,
MPEP 2595 - Forms,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure