Types of Entity Status at U.S. Patent Office

There are three types of “Entity Status” (a.k.a. Entity Size) recognized by the U.S. Patent Office to determine the amount of USPTO fees paid by a patent applicant.  Below are the three types of Entity Status recognized by the USPTO:

• Micro Entity – Micro Entities are entitled to a 75% discount on most fees at the U.S. Patent Office.  Micro Entity Status can be established based on either (1) a Gross Income Basis or (2) an Institution of Higher Education Basis.  We have more information at our Micro Entity Status page.
   
• Small Entity – Small Entities are entitled to a 50% discount on most fees at the U.S. Patent Office.  Small Entity Status is for patent applicants that do not qualify as a Micro Entity and have 500 or less employees.  We have more information at our Small Entity Status page.
   
• Large Entity – Large Entities are not entitled to any discount on fees at the U.S. Patent Office.  Large Entity Status is for patent applicants that do not qualify for Micro Entity Status or Small Entity Status (i.e. a business with more than 500 employees).  You can visit our Large Entity Status page for more information.

Your entity status at the U.S. Patent Office is important and needs to be determined before paying any government fee.