If it is really difficult to apply for paying the patent fee, you may request the Patent Office to reduce the application fee, examination fee, maintenance fee, reexamination fee and annual fee for the first three years after the patent is approved. Other expenses cannot be delayed. If an application is made and the fee is reduced, the above five fees can be reduced together after the application is approved. After the application, the requester can only request an extension of the other four unpaid fees except the application fee. In addition to the application fee, other mitigation fees should be proposed two months before the expiration of the payment period.
Where a request for fee reduction is made, a request for fee reduction uniformly formulated by the Patent Office shall be submitted. Individuals should fill in the income for the next year, and if there are multiple applicants, fill in the income of each person. When necessary, the Patent Office may request certification. If the unit requests to postpone delivery, it shall explain the reasons (the enterprise shall also explain the profit and loss situation), and attach the certificate from the superior administrative department. The request for fee reduction shall be examined and approved by the Patent Office.
The maximum approval for individual applications will be slowed down by 85%, and the maximum approval for applications by more than two people or units will be slowed down by 70%. If a mitigation request is made, it can be paid according to the approved mitigation amount (individual 15%, unit or more than two people 30%). If the Patent Office disagrees, the applicant shall be notified, and the applicant shall pay the insufficient part within the time limit stipulated by the Patent Office.
After the applicant or patentee obtains economic benefits or other income from his invention-creation, he shall pay the mitigation fee.