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Micro-Entity / Small-Entity Fee Reduction

Micro-Entity / Small-Entity Fee Reduction

Administers reduced patent filing fees for qualifying inventors through micro-entity and small-entity status options.

OpenUnited States Patent and Trademark OfficeUnited States

The USPTO Micro-Entity and Small-Entity Fee Reduction program provides statutory discounts on patent filing, prosecution, and maintenance fees charged by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Micro-entity status reduces most USPTO fees by 80%; small-entity status provides approximately 50% reduction. These discounts apply to filing fees, search fees, examination fees, issue fees, and certain post-…

Reduces USPTO patent filing fees by 80% for qualifying micro-entity applicants and by approximately 50% for small-entity applicants through self-certified status at each fee payment event.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Rolling
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.Rolling
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Endorsement / certification
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—

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Last verified: 5 Aug 2026Source: www.uspto.gov