Collegiate Inventors Competition

Instructions and required content for the advisor or professional reference letter for the Collegiate Inventors Competition.

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DeadlineNot listed

Award amountPatent acceleration; Cash prizes (amount unspecified); Unrestricted cash prizes for winners; $2,000 or more (triggers 1099-MISC issuance)

Last checkedJun 24, 2026

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Collegiate Inventors Competition: USPTO Patent Acceleration Certificate Terms and Conditions

Official terms and conditions for the USPTO Patent Acceleration Certificate awarded to winners of the Collegiate Inventors Competition (CIC).

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Eligibility

Winners of the National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF) Collegiate Inventors Competition (CIC); Winners defined as first and second place in graduate and undergraduate categories, plus People's Choice winner

Requirements

Certificate must be redeemed within 12 months of issuance; Patent applications must not contain more than four independent claims or thirty total claims; No multiple dependent claims allowed; Submissions must be filed electronically via USPTO patent electronic filing system; Petitions for Revival and Requests for Continued Reexamination may not be filed

How to apply

Notify the USPTO with the certificate number, relevant application serial number, and pertinent information such as appeal number

Important dates

Certificates expire 12 months from date of issuance; Petition for extension of redemption period (Form 431) available for an additional 12 months

Documents

CIC_Acceleration_Terms_and_Conditions_May_2025.pdf; Form 431 (Petition to extend redemption period)

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