To amend title 35, United States Code, with respect to the late payment of maintenance fees, and for other purposes.

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Establishes a filing fee for petitions for maintaining patents in force. Authorizes the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to accept a later payment for patent maintenance fees made within 18 months after the six-month grace period or within such shorter time as fixed by the Commissioner, if the delay is shown to the satisfaction of the Commissioner to have been unintentional. Includes the offices of Chairman and Vice Chairman on the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences. Requires such officers to be persons of competent legal knowledge and scientific ability.…