<html><head></head><body><div class="yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Dear List,</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">BACKGROUND </div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Recently, a client of ours was spun off by their large-entity parent company.</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">It was a clean break - this former parent company owns no stock and has no license to practice any of our client's patent [not even a non-exclusive license]</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">There are completely new shareholders (angel investors) - the former parent is gone.</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Earlier this week, the client's <span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">General Counsel</span></span> related this to me on the phone. </div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">I emailed her MPEP 509.02 (Small Entity Status) along with the Small Business Act, and all relevant material.</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><span>The General Counsel then confirmed that they are currently a small entity, and have been so since April 15, 2025 [the day the spin-off was finalized]</span></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><span><br></span></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><span>NOTE --> even though the spin-off occurred almost two months ago [04/15/25], I only learned of it this week. Typically, we work primarily with their engineering team (who give the final OK for patent drafts).</span></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><span>We </span>only consult with their General Counsel occasionally.</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><span><br></span></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">MY QUESTION </div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">On April 29 2025, their engineers gave us the "final OK" to file a new US non-provisional, we did so.</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">At the time, they were a small entity, but simply did not konw.</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Thus, on April 29, 2025 we intentionally paid filing-fees via Patent Center at large entity rates - we did not know that they are a small entity.</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Can we now NOW a refund of the difference between 'large entity' and 'small entity fees]?</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Our payment at large entity rates was intentional, but based on incorrect information.</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br>If such a refund request IS proper, then YES I know that we must do it before June 29, 2025 [two months after fees were paid at large entity rates]</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Wishing everyone a pleasant weekend,</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Bill</div></div></body></html>