This information collection covers the
submissions made by patent applicants and patentees to excuse small
and micro entity fee payment errors. Specifically, 37 CFR 1.28(c)
provides a procedure by which patent applicants and patentees may
be excused for erroneous payments of fees in the small entity
amount. 37 CFR 1.29(k) provides a procedure by which patent
applicants and patentees may be excused for erroneous payments of
fees in the micro entity amount. This information collection is
necessary so that patent applicants and patentees may pay the
balance of fees due (i.e., make a fee deficiency payment) when a
fee was previously paid in error in a micro or small entity amount.
The USPTO needs the information to be able to process and properly
record a fee deficiency payment to avoid questions arising later
either for the USPTO or for the applicant or patentee as to whether
the proper fees have been paid in the application or
patent.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.