What happens if there are insufficient funds in my USPTO deposit account?
Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09
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 there are insufficient funds in your USPTO deposit account to cover a fee, the following occurs:
- The USPTO will treat the fee as unpaid
- Any associated filing may be considered incomplete
- You may receive a notice of insufficient funds
The MPEP clearly states: “An overdrawn account will be immediately suspended and no charges will be accepted against it until the balance is restored.” (MPEP 509.01)
To avoid this situation, it’s crucial to maintain sufficient funds in your account and regularly monitor your balance. If your account becomes overdrawn, you’ll need to restore the balance before any further charges can be processed.
Topics:
MPEP 500 - Receipt and Handling of Mail and Papers
Patent Law
Patent Procedure