Getting a Discount

Today’s blog highlights the small and micro entity discounts offered by the USPTO to small business and individuals . 

Small Entity Discounts

The three main ways for an applicant to qualify for the small entity discount are to be:

A person who has not transferred any of their patent rights to another entity that would not qualify as a small entity; or,

A business that qualifies under SBA rules as a small entity (currently fewer than 500 employees) and that has not transferred any of their patent rights to another entity that would not qualify as a small entity; or,

A non-profit organization that has not transferred any of their patent rights to an entity that would not qualify as a small entity.

Applications qualifying for a small entity discount receive a 50% discount off most USPTO fees. 

Micro Entity Discounts

To qualify for a micro entity discount, the applicant must certify (using this form) that:

They qualify for the small entity discount; and,

None of the applicants or inventors have been named as inventors in more than four prior patent applications; and,

None of the applicants or inventors earned more than $153,051 (subject to annual revision); and,

None of the applicants or inventors have transferred their patent rights to an entity that had gross income of more than $153,051.

Applications qualifying for a micro entity discount receive 75% off most USPTO fees.

While the above discounts only apply to USPTO activities, when contracting for patent services don’t be shy about telling people you are an individual, micro or small company.  Though no one will advertise it, I have run across many companies providing patent related services that are happy provide special pricing to help small operations. 

Below is a summary of selected patents that have been recently issued in textile related classification codes:

High-strength porous carbon and its multifunctional applications:  High-strength porous carbon and a method of its manufacture are described for multifunctional applications, such as ballistic protection, structural components, ultracapacitor electrodes, gas storage, and radiation shielding. The carbon is produced from a polymer precursor via carbonization, and optionally by surface activation and post-treatment.  One if the primary envisioned uses is in garments.  Patent #:  8615812.  Inventors:  Wojtowicz, et.al.  Assignee:  Advanced Fuel Research, Inc.

Apparatus for preventing sun damage of a car occupant:  A drape attachable to a seat belt that shields the window side arm and hand of car occupants from sun exposure.  Patent #:  8615813.  Inventor:  Bryan and Bryan.  Assignee:  Bryan and Bryan.

Multi-tasking handwarmer:  A handwarming muff with a transparent protective enclosure to allow use of maps, notes, or electronics while the users hands can remain protected in the muff.  Patent #:  8615814.  Inventor:  Hawkins.  Assignee:  Hawkins.

Bleaching composition comprising magnesium salt:  Incorporation of a magnesium salt into bleaching compounds to reduce damage to keritan/hair fibers by limiting released heat to below 50° C.  Patent #:  8617255.  Inventors:  Wood and Shafer.  Assignee:  Kao Germany Gmbh

Hair colorant compositions comprising 3-amino-2,6-dimethylphenol and 4-aminophenol-type developers, methods, and kits comprising the compositions:  A hair colorant composition containing a combination of a 4-aminophenol-type developer with couplers comprising 3-amino-2,6-dimethylphenol and methods for treating hair with the oxidative hair colorant compositions. 

This provides a deeper red shade in a more stable composition.  Patent #:  8617256.  Inventor:  Sutton, et.al.  Assignee:  The Proctor & Gamble Company