Paperwork, Fees, and a Single Filing Date

The path from invention to a U.S. utility patent starts with a complete application: specification (description, claims, abstract), drawings (when required), and formal paperwork. For application 19/540,453, the specification is a consolidated document covering fifteen inventions. The USPTO requires the specification in DOCX (on or after Jan 17, 2024) to avoid an additional $400 fee; 1.5 or double spacing; 12 pt font; margins at least 2 cm (¾ in). Figures 1–15 are separate drawing sheets—black and white, no shading—in compliance with USPTO drawing rules.

Along with the specification and drawings, the applicant submits an Application Data Sheet (PTO/AIA/14), Oath or Declaration (PTO/AIA/01 or 08), and Fee Transmittal. Filing via Patent Center (electronic) avoids the non-electronic filing fee. For this application, the basic filing fee, search fee, and examination fee totaled $400.00, paid by card. The Electronic Payment Receipt confirms receipt and time: February 13, 2026, 7:14:20 PM ET.

What Happens Next

After receipt, the USPTO issues a Filing Receipt in due course if the application has the necessary components for a filing date. The date on the Acknowledgement Receipt establishes that filing date. Examination follows; the applicant may respond to office actions, amend claims, and eventually receive a notice of allowance or a final rejection. For a fifteen-invention portfolio, prosecution may involve restriction requirements (dividing out inventions into separate applications) or arguments that the inventions are linked enough to stay together. Either way, the Application Number 19/540,453 and Patent Center # 74480330 remain the identifiers for this case.

Source: US Patent Application 19/540,453, “Note for filer”; USPTO Electronic Payment Receipt N417.PYMT; USPTO utility patent filing guide.

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