What is the PTOL-85B form and why is it important?

Question

Accepted Answer

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 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. The PTOL-85B form is Part B of the “Notice of Allowance and Fee(s) Due” (PTOL-85) sent by the USPTO. According to MPEP 1303 , “Part B of the form (PTOL-85B) must be returned to the Office with the payment of the issue fee.” This form is crucial because it accompanies the payment of the issue fee, which is necessary to proceed with patent issuance. The MPEP also notes, “Applicants are reminded to transmit an extra copy of the PTOL-85B when payment of the issue fee is by way of authorization to debit a Deposit Account.” Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Notice of Allowance and Fee(s) Due Mailed to Correspondence Address MPEP 1303 Three-Month Issue Fee Payment Period Not Extendable MPEP 1303 Notice of Allowance Sent to Applicant MPEP 1303 Issue Fee and Publication Fee Must Be Paid with PTOL-85B MPEP 1303 Required Issue Fee and Publication Fee Must Be Paid Within Three Months MPEP 1303 Required Authorization to Charge Fees Must Be Filed Post-Allowance MPEP 1303 Permitted Publication Fee Must Be Paid If Application Was Subject to Publication MPEP 1303 Publication Fee Due at Issue MPEP 1303 Publication Fee Due at Issue MPEP 1303 Publication Fee Due at Issue MPEP 1303 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What happens if an amendment after allowance affects the scope of the claims? What happens if an amendment after allowance is not entered? What happens if an amendment is filed after a patent application has been allowed? How are amendments containing claims copied from a patent to provoke an interference handled? What types of amendments are typically entered after allowance without withdrawal?