Do You Qualify for Micro Entity Patent Status?

You may qualify for US micro entity status if you meet small entity requirements and satisfy an available micro entity eligibility route. Being an individual inventor or a new startup does not automatically qualify you.

What does the income-based route examine?

It considers matters including qualifying prior application history, gross income and certain ownership or licensing obligations. Exceptions and attribution rules can affect how those requirements apply.

Is there a higher-education route?

A separate route involves specified relationships with qualifying institutions of higher education. Merely being a student, professor or university collaborator does not establish eligibility by itself.

What must you do before claiming a discount?

Review current USPTO requirements and submit the appropriate certification. Check every relevant party's circumstances and check the current USPTO fee schedule rather than relying on old thresholds.

Reassess entitlement when relevant fees become due. Income, assignments, licenses and organizational changes may affect eligibility, and incorrect payments may require corrective action.

GetQuickPatent can help prepare your provisional draft, but it does not determine fee status. Verify eligibility independently or with a registered patent professional before claiming reduced fees.