Small Entity

for purposes of small entity determination per MPEP 509.02 - means an independent inventor, a small business concern, or a nonprofit organization eligible for reduced patent fees

-- see MPEP 509.02 for more

An independent inventor, a small business or a non-profit organization. The USPTO reduces the amount of certain fees that it charges small entities by 50 percent. MPEP 509.02, MPEP 509.03.