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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:black">I note that the CON surcharge is not a fee increase, but a completely new fee code, so it\u2019s a little different than a fee change<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:black">Just prior to the Examples in the
</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:black">Federal Register published final rule</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:black">, it states:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:black">\u201cAn application that is pending prior to the effective date of this final rule will not incur a fee under §</span></b><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">\u2009</span></b><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:black">1.17(w)
based on any benefit claims that were properly presented prior to the effective date. If a benefit claim is presented in the application on or after the effective date of this final rule, however, the application will incur a fee under
</span></b><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:black">§</span></b><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">\u2009</span></b><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:black">1.17(w) if the actual filing date of the application
is more than six or nine years later than its EBD.\u201d<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:black">On this basis, it appears that a CON or DIV that receives a filing date prior to 01/19/2025 should not be assessed the surcharge of §</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">\u2009</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:black">1.17(w)
based on any benefit claim that was properly presented in the application as filed, even if the fees are were not paid at the time of filing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:black">Of course, sometimes the USPTO publishes confusing and contradictory guidance.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D">-Mary Ann<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> Patentpractice <patentpractice-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Andrea R. Jacobson via Patentpractice<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, January 7, 2025 8:31 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> For patent practitioners. This is not for laypersons to seek legal advice. <patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com><br>
<b>Cc:</b> Andrea R. Jacobson <arj@mcgarrybair.com><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [Patentpractice] SUNRISE FOR dreaded "new fees"<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">That is my understanding as well and is consistent with all of the examples provided in the final rule. Everything is based on when you pay, not when your application as filed.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> Patentpractice <<a href="mailto:patentpractice-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com">patentpractice-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com</a>>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Timothy Snowden via Patentpractice<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, January 7, 2025 9:14 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> <a href="mailto:patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com">patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a><br>
<b>Cc:</b> Timothy Snowden <<a href="mailto:tdsnowden@outlook.com">tdsnowden@outlook.com</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [Patentpractice] SUNRISE FOR dreaded "new fees"<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p>I believe the fees are assessed as of the date the fees are paid.<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">On 1/7/2025 7:34 AM, William Ahmed via Patentpractice wrote:<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Dear List, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">The dreaded fee-increase (e.g. reasonable/small/inflation related increase for most fees, double for extra claims fees, and the 'huge tax' on benefit older benefit claims
- up to $4000) will come into effect on Jan 19, 2025.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">FACT A -> If I file a new application TODAY [Jan 7 2025], and I pay all fees, it does not matter if the USPTO only processes my new filing in February 2025 - I file before
Jan 19, 2025 and I enjoy the LOWER rates.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">FACT B --> If I file a new application on Jan 20, 2025, then I must pay fees at the much higher rates including the double extra-claims fees and (if relevant) the very large
surcharge for 'old benefit claim.'<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">MY QUESTION - what if I file a new patent US non-provisional application with 5 independent claims [27 claims total] on Jan 17, 2025 [with oldest benefit claim from 2014]
and I do not pay ANY fees? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">In that case, the USPTO will mail a 'notice of missing parts' after Jan 19, 2025 (e.g. in February 2025)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">What filing/search/examination fee will I need to pay? (at old rates or new rates)?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Will I be required to pay the 'old benefit claim' surcharge (up to $4,000 large entity)?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">What about 'extra claims fees'? The USPTO will ask for fees for 2 extra independent claims and 7 claims total - will these be paid at the OLD rates or the NEW rates?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Many thanks,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Bill<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<o:p></o:p></p>
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