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Santa Clara UniversityUniversity Library

Patent Information

Notice of Allowance (NOA)

The Notice of Allowance and Issuance step is the moment when all your hard work during patent prosecution pays off. This is when the USPTO informs you that your application is approved—pending final steps. Let’s walk through what happens and what you need to do next.

What Is a Notice of Allowance (NOA)?

A Notice of Allowance is a formal document from the USPTO stating that your patent application has been examined and found allowable. It means:

  • Your claims have been approved.
  • The examiner is done with the review.
  • The application is ready to become a granted patent—after you pay the required fee.

You’ll receive it in the Patent Center portal and by mail.

What’s in a Notice of Allowance?

The NOA includes:

  • Application number and confirmation number
  • List of allowed claims
  • A deadline and instructions for paying the issue fee
  • A Notice of Allowability explaining any remaining examiner remarks
  • Draft copy of the front page of the patent for your review

Issuance

You must pay the issue fee within 3 months of the NOA date.

Timeline of Issuance Deadlines

Action Deadline Notes
Pay issue fee 3 months No extensions allowed
Submit form PTO-85B With payment You can pay online via Patent Center
File assignment (if needed) Before grant Ensures correct ownership is recorded
Review bibliographic info Before issue Check for typos in names, addresses, etc.

NOTE: Missing the deadline results in abandonment, though you can petition for revival (with justification and fees).

What Happens After You Pay?

  • USPTO processes your patent for issuance.
  • The patent is published in the Official Gazette.
  • You receive an official patent grant certificate—your invention is now legally protected!

Patent Grant

The Patent Grant Includes:

  • Patent number (e.g., US 11,123,456 B2)
  • Official grant date
  • Names of inventors and assignee (if applicable)
  • Claims and drawings
  • Term information (typically 20 years from filing)
  • Any Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) added to your term

Your patent is also publicly viewable at USPTO Patent Center.

Optional Post-Issuance Actions

Action Purpose
File a certificate of correction Fix minor errors (e.g., typos)
Record the patent with Customs & Border Protection Block imports of infringing goods
Consider international filings (if still within 12-month window) Expand protection outside U.S.
Set up maintenance fee reminders Avoid accidental expiration