What happens if I submit a maintenance fee payment that doesn’t match my entity status of record?

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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. If you submit a maintenance fee payment that conflicts with the USPTO’s record of your entity status, you will receive a notice. MPEP 2550 explains: If you overpay (based on the entity status of record), you’ll receive an Overpayment Notice. If you underpay (based on the entity status of record), you’ll receive an Underpayment Notice. In both cases, you’ll have a non-extendable ONE MONTH period from the mailing date of the notice to respond. Your response may involve filing a notification of loss of entitlement to small or micro entity status, submitting additional fees, or providing documentation to support your claimed entity status. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Maintenance Fee Payment Includes Entity Status Change MPEP 2550 Permitted Notification of Loss of Micro Entity Status Must Be Filed Before Fee Payment MPEP 2550 Required Notification Required for Loss of Micro Entity Status MPEP 2550 Permitted Certification Required for Micro Entity Status MPEP 2550 Required Certification of Micro Entity Status Must Be Signed by Authorized Person MPEP 2550 Required Check for Loss of Micro Entity Status Before Paying Fees MPEP 2550 Reduced Maintenance Fees for Small/Micro Entities MPEP 2550 Permitted Notification Requirement for Lost Entity Status MPEP 2550 Required Written Notification Required for Loss of Small Entity Status MPEP 2550 Notification for Loss of Entity Status Must Be Filed By Mail, Fax, or Electronic System MPEP 2550 Prohibited 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 ma...