<html><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;" class="">US companies <div class=""><br class=""><div><blockquote type="cite" class=""><div class="">On Sep 3, 2025, at 4:29 PM, Suzannah K. Sundby <<a href="mailto:suzannah@canadylortz.com" class="">suzannah@canadylortz.com</a>> wrote:</div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"><div class=""><div class="WordSection1" style="page: WordSection1; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Monaco; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;" class="">Were the ones you checked foreign companies or US companies?<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;" class=""><o:p class=""> </o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;" class="">Also, based on a 15 second internet search does it look like the entities/companies you checked are obviously small companies or questionable?<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;" class=""><o:p class=""> </o:p></span></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif;" class=""><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ssundby/" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class=""><span style="text-decoration: none;" class="">Suzannah K. Sundby</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif;" class=""><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b class=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);" class="">|</span></b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Partner<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4pt 0in 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 204);" class=""><a href="http://www.canadylortz.com/" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class=""><u class=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 204); text-decoration: none;" class="">canady + lortz</span></u><u class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 204); text-decoration: none;" class=""><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal;" class="">LLP</span></span></u></a></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 204);" class=""><o:p class=""></o:p></span></p><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif;" class="">1050 30th Street, NW<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif;" class="">Washington, DC 20007<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4pt 0in 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif;" class="">T: 202.486.8020<o:p class=""></o:p></span></p><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif;" class="">F: 202.540.8020<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4pt 0in 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 204);" class=""><a href="mailto:suzannah@canadylortz.com" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 204); text-decoration: none;" class="">suzannah@canadylortz.com</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 204);" class=""><o:p class=""></o:p></span></p><div style="border-style: none none solid; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 204); padding: 0in 0in 6pt;" class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; border: none; padding: 0in;" class=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 204);" class=""><a href="http://www.canadylortz.com/" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 204); text-decoration: none;" class="">www.canadylortz.com</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 204);" class=""><o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" class=""><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; color: rgb(127, 127, 127);" class="">Confidentiality Notice:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class=""> </span>This message is being sent by or on behalf of a lawyer.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class=""> </span>It is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class=""> </span>This communication may contain information that is proprietary, privileged or confidential, or otherwise legally exempt from disclosure.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class=""> </span>If you are not the named addressee, you may not read, print, retain, copy, or disseminate this message or any part.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class=""> </span>If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail and delete all copies of the message.<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;" class=""><o:p class=""> </o:p></span></div><div class=""><div style="border-style: solid none none; border-top-width: 1pt; border-top-color: rgb(225, 225, 225); padding: 3pt 0in 0in;" class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><b class=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;" class="">From:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;" class=""><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Patentpractice <<a href="mailto:patentpractice-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class="">patentpractice-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com</a>><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b class="">On Behalf Of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>Patent Lawyer via Patentpractice<br class=""><b class="">Sent:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Wednesday, September 3, 2025 4:24 PM<br class=""><b class="">To:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Patentpractice Patentpractice <<a href="mailto:patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class="">patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a>><br class=""><b class="">Cc:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Patent Lawyer <<a href="mailto:patentlawyer995@gmail.com" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class="">patentlawyer995@gmail.com</a>><br class=""><b class="">Subject:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Re: [Patentpractice] Maintenance Fees - Entity Status Changed by USPTO?<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><o:p class=""> </o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class="">I should add, the six patents I checked are owned by companies (not individuals or universities)<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class=""><br class=""><br class=""><o:p class=""></o:p></span></div><blockquote style="margin-top: 5pt; margin-bottom: 5pt;" class=""><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class="">On Sep 3, 2025, at 4:18 PM, Patent Lawyer via Patentpractice <<a href="mailto:patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class="">patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a>> wrote:<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class=""><o:p class=""> </o:p></span></div><div class=""><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;" class="">I just checked 3 small entity cases that issued in the last couple of weeks. They each have the correct status in Patent Center.</span><span class=""><o:p class=""></o:p></span></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class=""><o:p class=""> </o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;" class="">I also checked 3 "old" small entity cases (these issued more than 6 years ago). They too each have the correct status in Patent Center.</span><span class=""><o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class=""><o:p class=""> </o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;" class="">Those old cases were filed before PatentCenter and would have been imported into Patent Center by the PTO, and it did not change their "entity status."</span><span class=""><o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class=""><o:p class=""> </o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;" class="">I am not saying the PTO did not screw up some cases, but I am not seeing it on the few I checked.</span><span class=""><o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class=""><o:p class=""> </o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class=""><o:p class=""> </o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class=""><blockquote style="margin-top: 5pt; margin-bottom: 5pt;" class=""><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class="">On Sep 3, 2025, at 3:59 PM, Rick Neifeld via Patentpractice <<a href="mailto:patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class="">patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a>> wrote:<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class=""><o:p class=""> </o:p></span></div><div class=""><div class=""><div class=""><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class="">1. I require at least a written acknowledgement from a client (or in the case of a client having a local agent, from the local agent) that they are aware of the small entity status requirements and after factual investigation confirm that the patent is still entitled to small entity status. For direct clients, I normally require a newly signed SE form before making a maintenance fee payment on their behalf. <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class=""><o:p class=""> </o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class="">That does not moot PatentCenter sub slientio having changed entity status, but it puts the factual investigation and conclusions where they should be; with the person having personal knowledge of the facts.<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class=""><o:p class=""> </o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class="">2. I wonder of PatentCenter has implemented some algorithm to automatically remove SE status from all patents owned by an entity if someone pays a MF for one patent owned by that entity at the non SE rate. Call me slightly paranoid of USPTO actions, ever since the DOCX requirement.<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class=""><o:p class=""> </o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class=""><o:p class=""> </o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class=""><o:p class=""> </o:p></span></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class=""><o:p class=""> </o:p></span></div><div class=""><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class="">On Wed, Sep 3, 2025 at 2:23</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;" class="">\u202f</span><span class="">PM Suzannah K. Sundby via Patentpractice <<a href="mailto:patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class="">patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a>> wrote:<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><blockquote style="border-style: none none none solid; border-left-width: 1pt; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 0in 0in 0in 6pt; margin-left: 4.8pt; margin-right: 0in;" class=""><div class=""><div class=""><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class="">Of course\u2026 but I imagine some patentees who use maintenance fee vendors might claim they made an innocent mistake/oversight\u2026 but if they have to actively/purposefully change the entity status back to small entity in<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="m-4347004639869710653spelle">PatentCrapper</span>, one can\u2019t really claim an innocent oversight.<o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""> <o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class="">Hence, why I wonder if the USPTO might be purposefully changing to large entity to force one to have to actively change to small\u2026 then if small entity is wrongly claimed, the USPTO can levy the significant penalty and even invalidate the patent.<o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""> <o:p class=""></o:p></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif;" class=""><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ssundby/" target="_blank" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class=""><span style="text-decoration: none;" class="">Suzannah K. Sundby</span></a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b class=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);" class="">|</span></b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Partner</span><o:p class=""></o:p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4pt 0in 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 204);" class=""><a href="http://www.canadylortz.com/" target="_blank" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" class="">canady + lortz</span><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" class=""><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal;" class="">LLP</span></span></a></span><o:p class=""></o:p></p><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif;" class="">1050 30th Street, NW</span><o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif;" class="">Washington, DC 20007</span><o:p class=""></o:p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4pt 0in 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif;" class="">T: 202.486.8020</span><o:p class=""></o:p></p><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif;" class="">F: 202.540.8020</span><o:p class=""></o:p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4pt 0in 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 204);" class=""><a href="mailto:suzannah@canadylortz.com" target="_blank" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" class="">suzannah@canadylortz.com</span></a></span><o:p class=""></o:p></p><div style="border-style: none none solid; border-bottom-width: 1pt; padding: 0in 0in 6pt; border-color: currentcolor currentcolor rgb(0, 0, 204);" class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 204);" class=""><a href="http://www.canadylortz.com/" target="_blank" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" class="">www.canadylortz.com</span></a></span><o:p class=""></o:p></div></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" class=""><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; color: rgb(127, 127, 127);" class="">Confidentiality Notice: This message is being sent by or on behalf of a lawyer. It is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. This communication may contain information that is proprietary, privileged or confidential, or otherwise legally exempt from disclosure. If you are not the named addressee, you may not read, print, retain, copy, or disseminate this message or any part. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail and delete all copies of the message.</span><o:p class=""></o:p></div></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""> <o:p class=""></o:p></div><div class=""><div style="border-style: solid none none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding: 3pt 0in 0in; border-color: currentcolor;" class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><b class=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;" class="">From:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;" class=""><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Roger Browdy <<a href="mailto:Roger.Browdy@FisherBroyles.com" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class="">Roger.Browdy@FisherBroyles.com</a>><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br class=""><b class="">Sent:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Wednesday, September 3, 2025 2:09 PM<br class=""><b class="">To:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For patent practitioners. This is not for laypersons to seek legal advice. <<a href="mailto:patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com" target="_blank" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class="">patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a>><br class=""><b class="">Cc:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Suzannah K. Sundby <<a href="mailto:suzannah@canadylortz.com" target="_blank" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class="">suzannah@canadylortz.com</a>><br class=""><b class="">Subject:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>RE: Maintenance Fees - Entity Status Changed by USPTO?</span><o:p class=""></o:p></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""> <o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class="">Of course, you are well aware that the rules require that you check that small entity still applies each time to pay a maintenance fee, whether the PTO has previously recognized it as a small entity or not.<o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""> <o:p class=""></o:p></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><b class=""><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;" class="">Roger L. Browdy</span></b><o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;" class="">Partner </span><o:p class=""></o:p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(23, 71, 158);" class="">_____________________________________________ </span><o:p class=""></o:p></p><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><b class=""><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(23, 71, 158);" class="">FisherBroyles, LLP</span></b><o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(23, 71, 158);" class="">direct: +1 202-277-5198</span><o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><u class=""><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(23, 71, 158);" class=""><a href="mailto:roger.browdy@fisherbroyles.com" target="_blank" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class=""><span style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);" class="">roger.browdy@fisherbroyles.com</span></a></span></u><o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;" class=""><a href="http://www.fisherbroyles.com/" target="_blank" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(23, 71, 158);" class="">www.fisherbroyles.com</span></a></span><o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(23, 71, 158);" class=""> </span><o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(23, 71, 158);" class="">The information contained in this e-mail message is only for the personal and confidential use of the intended recipient(s). If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by e-mail, and delete the original message.</span><o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Helvetica Light"; color: rgb(23, 71, 158);" class=""> </span><o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""> <o:p class=""></o:p></div></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""> <o:p class=""></o:p></div><div class=""><div style="border-style: solid none none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding: 3pt 0in 0in; border-color: currentcolor;" class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><b class=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;" class="">From:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;" class=""><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Patentpractice <<a href="mailto:patentpractice-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com" target="_blank" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class="">patentpractice-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com</a>><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b class="">On Behalf Of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>Suzannah K. Sundby via Patentpractice<br class=""><b class="">Sent:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Wednesday, September 3, 2025 8:41 AM<br class=""><b class="">To:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com" target="_blank" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class="">patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a><br class=""><b class="">Cc:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Suzannah K. Sundby <<a href="mailto:suzannah@canadylortz.com" target="_blank" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class="">suzannah@canadylortz.com</a>><br class=""><b class="">Subject:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Re: [Patentpractice] Maintenance Fees - Entity Status Changed by USPTO?</span><o:p class=""></o:p></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""> <o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class="">Which btw if this is what the USPTO is doing\u2026 it\u2019s a totally sh*tty move as it will require significant bullsh*t paperwork/unbillable time.<o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""> <o:p class=""></o:p></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif;" class=""><a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.linkedin.com_in_ssundby_&d=DwMFAg&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=7yDyUE5lzuruhwIvS68v9eFQKnrJuSrXb1MxDfvR_V8&m=8wFZLFNF4_wLb-PNI6ALwm82yFuMK2gz3L2RESKcBuUxfXHzIFZ0fe1DtRD3HVxE&s=JFys10_4BIgCqV30L_nUUSnym5rCP1KjEcKYVsLJOGc&e=" target="_blank" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class=""><span style="text-decoration: none;" class="">Suzannah K. Sundby</span></a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b class=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);" class="">|</span></b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Partner</span><o:p class=""></o:p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4pt 0in 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 204);" class=""><a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.canadylortz.com_&d=DwMFAg&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=7yDyUE5lzuruhwIvS68v9eFQKnrJuSrXb1MxDfvR_V8&m=8wFZLFNF4_wLb-PNI6ALwm82yFuMK2gz3L2RESKcBuUxfXHzIFZ0fe1DtRD3HVxE&s=SCL5Jt-D2aERaiZrQbVc1EFnEYP-3q0lge0m4PWN4FE&e=" target="_blank" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" class="">canady + lortz</span><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" class=""><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal;" class="">LLP</span></span></a></span><o:p class=""></o:p></p><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif;" class="">1050 30th Street, NW</span><o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif;" class="">Washington, DC 20007</span><o:p class=""></o:p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4pt 0in 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif;" class="">T: 202.486.8020</span><o:p class=""></o:p></p><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif;" class="">F: 202.540.8020</span><o:p class=""></o:p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4pt 0in 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 204);" class=""><a href="mailto:suzannah@canadylortz.com" target="_blank" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" class="">suzannah@canadylortz.com</span></a></span><o:p class=""></o:p></p><div style="border-style: none none solid; border-bottom-width: 1pt; padding: 0in 0in 6pt; border-color: currentcolor currentcolor rgb(0, 0, 204);" class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 204);" class=""><a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.canadylortz.com_&d=DwMFAg&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=7yDyUE5lzuruhwIvS68v9eFQKnrJuSrXb1MxDfvR_V8&m=8wFZLFNF4_wLb-PNI6ALwm82yFuMK2gz3L2RESKcBuUxfXHzIFZ0fe1DtRD3HVxE&s=SCL5Jt-D2aERaiZrQbVc1EFnEYP-3q0lge0m4PWN4FE&e=" target="_blank" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" class="">www.canadylortz.com</span></a></span><o:p class=""></o:p></div></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" class=""><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; color: rgb(127, 127, 127);" class="">Confidentiality Notice: This message is being sent by or on behalf of a lawyer. It is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. This communication may contain information that is proprietary, privileged or confidential, or otherwise legally exempt from disclosure. If you are not the named addressee, you may not read, print, retain, copy, or disseminate this message or any part. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail and delete all copies of the message.</span><o:p class=""></o:p></div></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""> <o:p class=""></o:p></div><div class=""><div style="border-style: solid none none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding: 3pt 0in 0in; border-color: currentcolor;" class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><b class=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;" class="">From:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;" class=""><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Suzannah K. Sundby<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br class=""><b class="">Sent:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Wednesday, September 3, 2025 8:39 AM<br class=""><b class="">To:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com" target="_blank" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class="">patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a><br class=""><b class="">Subject:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Maintenance Fees - Entity Status Changed by USPTO?</span><o:p class=""></o:p></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""> <o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class="">The first maintenance fee is due in a patent. The client asked me to change it to small entity so their vendor can pay the small entity maintenance fee.<o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""> <o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class="">I checked my records and PatentCrapper. The application was filed as small entity and the issue fee was also paid as small entity, and at no time did we change the entity status to Large.<o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""> <o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class="">Yet, strangely, PatentCrapper shows the entity status as being Regular Undiscounted.<o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""> <o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class="">Has this happened to anyone else?<o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""> <o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class="">I wonder if the USPTO has decided to automatically change entity status to large for patentees who are companies (not obviously research institutions) to force one to reassert small entity status when paying maintenance fees\u2026 and thereby having grounds for applying the severe penalties for incorrect assertions\u2026<o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""> <o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif;" class=""><a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.linkedin.com_in_ssundby_&d=DwMFAg&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=7yDyUE5lzuruhwIvS68v9eFQKnrJuSrXb1MxDfvR_V8&m=8wFZLFNF4_wLb-PNI6ALwm82yFuMK2gz3L2RESKcBuUxfXHzIFZ0fe1DtRD3HVxE&s=JFys10_4BIgCqV30L_nUUSnym5rCP1KjEcKYVsLJOGc&e=" target="_blank" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class=""><span style="text-decoration: none;" class="">Suzannah K. Sundby</span></a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b class=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);" class="">|</span></b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Partner</span><o:p class=""></o:p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4pt 0in 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 204);" class=""><a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.canadylortz.com_&d=DwMFAg&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=7yDyUE5lzuruhwIvS68v9eFQKnrJuSrXb1MxDfvR_V8&m=8wFZLFNF4_wLb-PNI6ALwm82yFuMK2gz3L2RESKcBuUxfXHzIFZ0fe1DtRD3HVxE&s=SCL5Jt-D2aERaiZrQbVc1EFnEYP-3q0lge0m4PWN4FE&e=" target="_blank" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" class="">canady + lortz</span><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" class=""><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal;" class="">LLP</span></span></a></span><o:p class=""></o:p></p><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif;" class="">1050 30th Street, NW</span><o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif;" class="">Washington, DC 20007</span><o:p class=""></o:p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4pt 0in 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif;" class="">T: 202.486.8020</span><o:p class=""></o:p></p><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif;" class="">F: 202.540.8020</span><o:p class=""></o:p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4pt 0in 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 204);" class=""><a href="mailto:suzannah@canadylortz.com" target="_blank" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" class="">suzannah@canadylortz.com</span></a></span><o:p class=""></o:p></p><div style="border-style: none none solid; border-bottom-width: 1pt; padding: 0in 0in 6pt; border-color: currentcolor currentcolor rgb(0, 0, 204);" class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 204);" class=""><a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.canadylortz.com_&d=DwMFAg&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=7yDyUE5lzuruhwIvS68v9eFQKnrJuSrXb1MxDfvR_V8&m=8wFZLFNF4_wLb-PNI6ALwm82yFuMK2gz3L2RESKcBuUxfXHzIFZ0fe1DtRD3HVxE&s=SCL5Jt-D2aERaiZrQbVc1EFnEYP-3q0lge0m4PWN4FE&e=" target="_blank" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" class="">www.canadylortz.com</span></a></span><o:p class=""></o:p></div></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" class=""><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; color: rgb(127, 127, 127);" class="">Confidentiality Notice: This message is being sent by or on behalf of a lawyer. It is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. This communication may contain information that is proprietary, privileged or confidential, or otherwise legally exempt from disclosure. If you are not the named addressee, you may not read, print, retain, copy, or disseminate this message or any part. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail and delete all copies of the message.</span><o:p class=""></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""> <o:p class=""></o:p></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class="">--<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br class="">Patentpractice mailing list<br class=""><a href="mailto:Patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com" target="_blank" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class="">Patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a><br class=""><a href="http://oppedahl-lists.com/mailman/listinfo/patentpractice_oppedahl-lists.com" target="_blank" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class="">http://oppedahl-lists.com/mailman/listinfo/patentpractice_oppedahl-lists.com</a><o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div></blockquote></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class=""><br clear="all" class=""><o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class=""><br class=""><span class="gmailsignatureprefix">--<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><o:p class=""></o:p></span></div><div class=""><div class=""><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class="">Best regards<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class="">Rick Neifeld, J.D., Ph.D.<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class="">Neifeld IP Law PLLC<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class="">9112 Shearman Street, Fairfax VA 22032<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class="">Mobile: 7034470727<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class="">Email:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:RichardNeifeld@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class="">RichardNeifeld@gmail.com</a>; <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class=""><o:p class=""> </o:p></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class="">--<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br class="">Patentpractice mailing list<br class=""><a href="mailto:Patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class="">Patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a><br class=""><a href="http://oppedahl-lists.com/mailman/listinfo/patentpractice_oppedahl-lists.com" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class="">http://oppedahl-lists.com/mailman/listinfo/patentpractice_oppedahl-lists.com</a><o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div></blockquote></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class=""><o:p class=""> </o:p></span></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;" class=""><span class="">--<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br class="">Patentpractice mailing list<br class=""><a href="mailto:Patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class="">Patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a><br class=""><a href="http://oppedahl-lists.com/mailman/listinfo/patentpractice_oppedahl-lists.com" style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;" class="">http://oppedahl-lists.com/mailman/listinfo/patentpractice_oppedahl-lists.com</a></span></div></div></blockquote></div></div></div></blockquote></div><br class=""></div></body></html>