United States Code
USC most recently checked for updates: Mar 15, 2025
§ 151.
Issue of patent
(a)
If it appears that an applicant is entitled to a patent under the law, a written notice of allowance of the application shall be given or mailed to the applicant. The notice shall specify a sum, constituting the issue fee and any required publication fee, which shall be paid within 3 months thereafter.
(b)
Upon payment of this sum the patent may issue, but if payment is not timely made, the application shall be regarded as abandoned.
cite as: 35 USC 151