Those who qualify for “Small Entity Status” at the USPTO enjoy a
fifty-percent reduction for a variety of fees, including the basic filing fee, search fee, and examination fee. However, it should be noted that certain fees are not reduced, such as international application fees.
Individuals, small business concerns, and non-profit organizations may all qualify for small entity status, regardless of the country in which they are located. Small business concerns are those who have fewer than 500 employees and affiliates, and also have not assigned, granted, conveyed, or licensed any rights in the relevant invention to those who would not qualify as a small entity. Additionally, universities and other institutions of higher education qualify as nonprofits for purposes of small entity status.