Sources
PatentPlain is built on the primary sources below: the regulations that define small and micro entity status, the USPTO fee schedule, the certification forms, and USPTO guidance. The wizard links to the specific section behind each question.
Regulations
- 37 CFR 1.27 — Definition of small entities and establishing status as a small entity
eCFR
The regulation that defines who qualifies as a small entity and how the status is claimed.
- 37 CFR 1.29 — Micro entity status
eCFR
The regulation that defines the gross income basis and the institution of higher education basis for micro entity status.
- 13 CFR 121.802 — Size standards for reduced patent fees
eCFR
The Small Business Administration size standard that 37 CFR 1.27 relies on for business concerns.
Fees
- USPTO Fee Schedule
USPTO
The current official fee amounts for all three entity sizes.
Forms
- USPTO — Patent Forms
USPTO
Official forms, including the micro entity certifications PTO/SB/15A and PTO/SB/15B.
- PTO/SB/15A — Certification of Micro Entity Status (Gross Income Basis)
USPTO
The certification filed to claim micro entity status on the gross income basis.
- PTO/SB/15B — Certification of Micro Entity Status (Institution of Higher Education Basis)
USPTO
The certification filed to claim micro entity status on the institution of higher education basis.
USPTO guidance
- USPTO — Micro Entity Status
USPTO
USPTO guidance on micro entity status, including the current maximum qualifying gross income and its history.
Fee amounts on this site are the USPTO fees effective January 19, 2025, last checked against the USPTO fee schedule on October 6, 2026.