What is a small entity?

For the purposes of the Patent and Business Office of the United States (USPTO), the small entity of an individual or organization that qualifies for reduced patent application fees. There are several categories of individuals and organizations that are considered small entities. In addition to receiving discounts for submission fees, small entities are also entitled to a maintenance discount. This facilitates the administration and maintenance of a patent for a person or organization that cannot afford complete patent fees, which ensures that everyone has the ability to ensure the rights to mental property.

If the company has less than 500 employees, it is considered a small entity. Similarly, independent inventors give patents to their work by small entities, as well as non -profit organizations. When a set of small entities, it must provide a statement in which they declare their status. Many patent forms have check boxes that people can use and a detailed formal statement is not necessarily requičer. If fromIt changes the size or nature of the organization, it must hand it out to indicate that it suggests, whether it becomes a small entity or loses this status. Likewise, if the USPTO checks the organization and finds that it does not qualify, it will also be declassified. USPTO will consider this case as fraud and abolish the patent and related rights; In other words, it may lead to a loss of patent protection.

discount offered to small entities is 50%, although there are certain fees that will not be discounted. The complete schedule of fees is available from the patent and the business authority for people who want to check the fees associated with patent applications. Patent lawyers can also help people to determine the cost of administering the patent. Patent applicants should also note the maintenance schedule so that they can take steps at the right time to maintain their patents.

In filling in patent applications is the salesbeyond being accurate. Businesses that are not sure whether they qualify as small entities can apply for the help of a patent representative or patent investigator. USPTO prefers to help people avoid mistakes rather than being forced to abolish the patent and can provide instructions and assistance with the application process. The changes should be carefully documented with the USPTO to ensure that the status of the company is reported precisely.