Abstract: An improved computerized method and system for the payment of patent and trademark fees is disclosed. The patent or trademark fee for a client of a firm is charged against an account maintained by an organization separate from the firm. A charge issued at a workstation at the firm is delivered to a patent or patent and trademark agency, or a foreign associate firm, where it is cashed against an account maintained by the separate organization. The firm bills the client for the fee, along with a service charge, while the separate organization bills the firm for the fee and the service charge. Payment from the client to the firm for the fee and service charge is then sent to the separate organization to cover the firm's bill from the separate organization. Recirculating retainers, pre-billing, and other aspects of methods and systems are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for the payment of out-of-pocket fees such as patent and trademark fees is disclosed. The patent or trademark fee for a client of a firm is charged against an account maintained by an organization separate from the firm. A charge issued at a workstation at the firm is delivered to a patent or patent and trademark agency, or a foreign associate firm, where it is cashed against an account maintained by the separate organization. The firm bills the client for the fee, along with a service charge, while the separate organization bills the firm for the fee and the service charge. Payment from the client to the firm for the fee and service charge is then sent to the separate organization to cover the firm's bill from the separate organization. A law firm maintains its own account and uses a second account funded with a loan to pay the out-of-pocket costs.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for the payment of out-of-pocket fees such as patent and trademark fees is disclosed. The patent or trademark fee for a client of a firm is charged against an account maintained by an organization separate from the firm. A charge issued at a workstation at the firm is delivered to a patent or patent and trademark agency, or a foreign associate firm, where it is cashed against an account maintained by the separate organization. The firm bills the client for the fee, along with a service charge, while the separate organization bills the firm for the fee and the service charge. Payment from the client to the firm for the fee and service charge is then sent to the separate organization to cover the firm's bill from the separate organization. A law firm maintains its own account and uses a second account funded with a loan to pay the out-of-pocket costs.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for the payment of out-of-pocket fees such as patent and trademark fees is disclosed. The patent or trademark fee for a client of a firm is charged against an account maintained by an organization separate from the firm. A charge issued at a workstation at the firm is delivered to a patent or patent and trademark agency, or a foreign associate firm, where it is cashed against an account maintained by the separate organization. The firm bills the client for the fee, along with a service charge, while the separate organization bills the firm for the fee and the service charge.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for the payment of out-of-pocket fees such as patent and trademark fees is disclosed. The patent or trademark fee for a client of a firm is charged against an account maintained by an organization separate from the firm. A charge issued at a workstation at the firm is delivered to a patent or patent and trademark agency, or a foreign associate firm, where it is cashed against an account maintained by the separate organization. The firm bills the client for the fee, along with a service charge, while the separate organization bills the firm for the fee and the service charge. Payment from the client to the firm for the fee and service charge is then sent to the separate organization to cover the firm's bill from the separate organization.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for the payment of out-of-pocket fees such as patent and trademark fees is disclosed. The patent or trademark fee for a client of a firm is charged against an account maintained by an organization separate from the firm. A charge issued at a workstation at the firm is delivered to a patent or patent and trademark agency, or a foreign associate firm, where it is cashed against an account maintained by the separate organization. The firm bills the client for the fee, along with a service charge, while the separate organization bills the firm for the fee and the service charge. Payment from the client to the firm for the fee and service charge is then sent to the separate organization to cover the firm's bill from the separate organization. A law firm maintains its own account and uses a second account funded with a loan to pay the out-of-pocket costs.

Abstract: An improved computerized method and system for the payment of patent and trademark fees is disclosed. The patent or trademark fee for a client of a firm includes foreign payables chargeable against an account maintained by an organization separate from the firm. The system includes a server coupled to the Internet, the server including a website for foreign invoice entry and including a database of invoices, the invoices containing identification information for a matter of a client of a firm and a requested foreign fee associated with the matter for payment to an outside vendor or foreign associate. A number of remote terminals are coupled to the Internet, at least one of the remote terminals including an order entry system. The remote terminals adapted for generating the foreign invoice and uploading the foreign invoice to the database of invoices. The order entry system adapted for reviewing the foreign invoices and issuing a charge for the foreign fee.

Abstract: An improved computerized method and system for the payment of patent and trademark fees is disclosed. The patent or trademark fee for a client of a firm includes foreign payables chargeable against an account maintained by an organization separate from the firm. The system includes a server coupled to the Internet, the server including a website for foreign invoice entry and including a database of invoices, the invoices containing identification information for a matter of a client of a firm and a requested foreign fee associated with the matter for payment to an outside vendor or foreign associate. A number of remote terminals are coupled to the Internet, at least one of the remote terminals including an order entry system. The remote terminals adapted for generating the foreign invoice and uploading the foreign invoice to the database of invoices. The order entry system adapted for reviewing the foreign invoices and issuing a charge for the foreign fee.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for the payment of patent and trademark fees is disclosed. The patent or trademark fee for a client of a firm is charged against an account maintained by an organization separate from the firm. A charge issued at a workstation at the firm is delivered to a patent or patent and trademark agency, or a foreign associate firm, where it is cashed against an account maintained by the separate organization. The firm bills the client for the fee, along with a service charge, while the separate organization bills the firm for the fee and the service charge. Payment from the client to the firm for the fee and service charge is then sent to the separate organization to cover the firm's bill from the separate organization.