Micro Entity Status at the USPTO: Who Qualifies and How Much You Save

Micro entity status gives the largest USPTO fee reduction available. Many independent inventors qualify, but you must meet every condition and certify it truthfully.

The three main conditions

Under the gross-income basis you must qualify as a small entity, have been named on no more than four previous non-provisional US applications (with some exceptions), have a gross income below the USPTO limit for the prior year, and not have assigned or be obligated to assign the invention to an entity above that limit.

Small entity vs micro entity

Small entity status covers individuals, small businesses with fewer than 500 employees, universities and nonprofits. Micro entity is a subset with the additional income and prior-application conditions.

Why it matters

The entity status changes the fee you pay for the provisional and for many later fees. Claiming a status you do not qualify for can create serious problems, so check the current USPTO limits before certifying.

How GetQuickPatent helps

Our filing intake asks the three micro entity questions in plain language and suggests micro status when all answers are yes. You confirm and certify the status yourself.