How are new design and plant patent applications initially assigned?

New nonprovisional design and plant patent applications are initially assigned by the Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP) as follows:

  • Design applications are assigned to Technology Center (TC) 2900
  • Plant applications are assigned to Technology Center (TC) 1600

As stated in the MPEP: New nonprovisional design and plant applications are assigned to Technology Centers (TCs) 2900 and 1600, respectively, in the first instance by the Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP). (MPEP 909.02(a))

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Tags: design patents, OPAP, patent application assignment, plant patents, Technology Centers