Maintenance Fees (MPEP 2500)

Must identify patent number AND patent application number
Reminders are sent to FEE address, if any, otherwise to the correspondence address
Reinstatement
- If unintentional, can pay within 24 months after grace period with petition (small entity fee) and showing that entire delay was unintentional; plus surcharge fee (no small entity discount)
- If unavoidable, can pay any time after grace period with petition and showing; plus fee
Intervening rights from after expiration of patent until reinstatement of patent
Does not apply to plant and design patents
Can pay 6 months early or 6 months late; late payment = expiration of patent
Can be paid via fax, mail, or Internet
Anyone can pay