FAQs Patent Questions

Question:How do I obtain a copy of a patent or a patent application publication?

Answer:
Copies of patents or patent application publications, shipped via the U.S. Postal Service, may be purchased for $3 each. To order a patent copy, you must provide the patent number. To order a copy of a patent application publication, you must provide the publication number.

Question:Utility patents issued on and after 12/12/1980 are subject to the payment of maintenance fees

Answer:
All utility patents that issue from applications filed on and after December 12, 1980 are subject to the payment of maintenance fees which must be paid to maintain the patent in force. These fees are due at 3 1/2, 7 1/2 and 11 1/2 years from the date the patent is granted.

Question:The Official Gazette contains information on Expired patents, Patents reinstated and Reissue Applications

Answer:
No. The Official Gazette contains a section at the front of the book called "Patent and Trademark Office Notices." Each week, the following information is published: a. Expired Patents: Patents that expire due to failure to pay required maintenance fees. These patent numbers are published approximately 3 months after expiration. b. Patents Reinstated: Patents reinstated due to the acceptance of a late maintenance fee. c. Reissue Applications: Patents filed as reissues. d. Reexams: Patents requested to be reexamined. e. Certificates of Correction: Patents granted certificates to correct previously published material. f. Summaries of final decisions issued by the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.

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