Which of the following categories does NOT require fees for obtaining Special Status?

The category that does not require fees for obtaining Special Status is related to the inventor being elderly. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has provisions in place that allow an inventor who qualifies as elderly, specifically those who are 65 years of age or older, to have their applications processed under a special status without requiring any special fees. This is designed to facilitate quicker processing for individuals who may be less able to invest time in the application process due to age-related factors.

Other categories, such as inventions related to public transport, advanced AI technologies, and projects involving international collaboration, typically do have associated fees or specific requirements that must be satisfied to obtain Special Status, making them ineligible for fee waivers like the elderly inventor category. Therefore, the distinction lies in the specific provisions designed to support older inventors, ensuring access to the patent system without additional financial barriers.