What is the difference between small entity and micro entity status?
Reviewed by
Dominic Davies, patent attorney (20+ years)
· Last reviewed
September 11, 2026
Small entities (under 500 employees, which covers most startups) get a 60% discount on most USPTO fees. Micro entities get 80%, with extra limits: a gross income ceiling (currently $251,190) and a cap on previously filed applications. Status must be re-checked every time a fee is paid.
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