What are the requirements for requesting voluntary publication?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules 4 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. To request voluntary publication of a patent application filed before November 29, 2000, applicants must meet specific requirements as outlined in MPEP 1133 : The application must be pending A copy of the application must be submitted in compliance with the Office Electronic Filing System (EFS) requirements The publication fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.18(d) must be paid The processing fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(i) must be paid The MPEP states: “ If the applicant submits a request that does not meet the EFS requirements, the request will be dismissed. ” It’s crucial to ensure all requirements are met to avoid dismissal of the request. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Request Must Meet USPTO Electronic Filing Standards MPEP 1133 Processing Fee for Voluntary Publication MPEP 1133 Request for Voluntary Publication of Pre-November 2000 Applications MPEP 1133 Required Application Publication Fee Refunded If Noncompliant MPEP 1133 Requirement for Application Copy and Fees MPEP 1133 Required Application Must Comply with Electronic Filing System for Early Publication MPEP 1129 Application May Not Be Published After Abandonment MPEP 1133 Prohibited Director’s Decision on Patent Application Release Final and Unreviewable MPEP 101 Required Publication Fee Refund If Application Does Not Meet Requirements MPEP 1130 Publication Fee Required for Early Publication Request MPEP 1129 Required Other Related FAQs 4 FAQs Collapse Can abandoned applications be voluntarily published? What happens if a voluntary publication request doesn&#8217;t meet the requirements? How does the Electronic Filing System (EFS) affect voluntary publication requests? What is voluntary publi...