USPTO Offers Pilot Program to Receive Maintenance Fee Notices By Email

As posted in a recent United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) notice, the USPTO has recently launched a pilot program allowing maintenance fee reminder and expiration notices to be emailed. To participate in the program, a person must opt in and maintain at least one active email address with the USPTO.

In general, for a utility patent, maintenance fees are due to the USPTO at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years after the patent issue date. If the applicable maintenance fee is not paid by the corresponding date (or within six months thereafter along with a surcharge) the patent is abandoned.

According to the pilot program notice, To opt in as an individual, email RADHelpdesk@uspto.gov with the subject line “MF Notices Email Pilot Program” and include your name, S- signature, primary phone number, and USPTO customer number. Organizations requesting to participate must also assign an appropriate official to email the request and include the organization name, the official’s title, and certification of the officials authority to elect the opt-in.

For further details, refer to the USPTO website at Patent and Trademark Office Notices (uspto.gov)