Who can pay maintenance fees for a patent?

Question

Accepted Answer

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. According to MPEP 2515 , anyone can pay maintenance fees for a patent. Specifically, the section states: “ The patentee may pay maintenance fees and any necessary surcharges or any person or organization may pay maintenance fees and any necessary surcharges on behalf of the patentee. “ This means that the patent owner, a legal representative, or even a third party can submit the payment. No special authorization is required for someone other than the patentee to pay the fees. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Guidelines for Submission of Maintenance Fees and Surcharges MPEP 2515 Information Required for Maintenance Fee Payment MPEP 2515 Recommended Patentee or Agent Can Pay Maintenance Fees MPEP 2515 Permitted Payment of Maintenance Fees and Surcharges Must Be Submitted Within Specified Periods MPEP 2515 Required Late Payment of Maintenance Fees Not Acceptable Except by Petition MPEP 2515 Maintenance Fee Form Required for Submission MPEP 2515 Payment of Maintenance Fees Must Identify Specifics MPEP 2515 Recommended Application Number Required for Maintenance Fee Payment MPEP 2515 Required Patent Owner Can Sign Maintenance Fee Letter MPEP 2515 Permitted Payment of Maintenance Fees and Surcharges Must Be Timely MPEP 2515 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Can maintenance fees be refunded? What happens if insufficient information is provided with a maintenance fee payment? How should maintenance fee payments be submitted to the USPTO? What information is required for maintenance fee payments by credit card? How to handle maintenance fee payments for reissued patents?