What are the hours for the Public Search Facility in Alexandria?
The Public Search Facility in Alexandria has extended hours compared to the regular USPTO business hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday Excluding federal holidays in the District of Columbia As stated in MPEP 510: “The hours for the Public Search Facility in Alexandria are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday,…
Read MoreHow can I access patent assignment records online?
Patent assignment records can be accessed online through the USPTO’s Assignment Search database. The MPEP states: Assignment records that affect the title of patents and patent applications are recorded in the USPTO’s Assignment Recordation Branch. To access these records: Visit the USPTO Assignment Search website Enter the relevant patent or application number, assignee name, or…
Read MoreWhat happens if an assignment document is not a copy when submitted for recording?
What happens if an assignment document is not a copy when submitted for recording? If an assignment document submitted for recording is not a copy, it will not be accepted for recording. The MPEP clearly states: The Assignment Division will not accept an original assignment document because it becomes part of the USPTO permanent records.…
Read MoreWhat happens if corrected documents are not resubmitted within the specified period?
If corrected documents are not resubmitted within the specified period, the original filing date will not be preserved. The MPEP clearly states: “If the returned papers are not corrected and resubmitted within the specified period, the date of filing of the corrected papers will be considered to be the date of recording of the document.”…
Read MoreHow does the Electronic Priority Document Exchange (PDX) program work with the USPTO?
How does the Electronic Priority Document Exchange (PDX) program work with the USPTO? The Electronic Priority Document Exchange (PDX) program is a system that allows participating intellectual property offices to exchange priority documents electronically. According to MPEP 215.01, the USPTO participates in this program, which can simplify the process of submitting certified copies of foreign…
Read MoreAre there any exceptions to the time limits for filing foreign priority claims?
Yes, there are exceptions to the standard time limits for filing foreign priority claims, particularly for design patent applications and certain applications filed before November 29, 2000. According to 37 CFR 1.55(d)(1): The time periods in this paragraph do not apply if the later-filed application is:(i) An application for a design patent; or(ii) An application…
Read MoreAre there any fees associated with using the PDX program for priority document exchange?
Generally, there are no additional fees charged by the USPTO for using the PDX program to exchange priority documents. The MPEP 215.01 does not mention any specific fees for this service. However, it’s important to note: Regular patent application fees still apply. If the PDX retrieval fails and you need to submit a certified copy,…
Read MoreWhat is the difference in priority claim requirements for applications filed before and after September 16, 2012?
The requirements for filing a foreign priority claim differ for applications filed before and after September 16, 2012. The key difference lies in where the priority claim must be presented: For applications filed on or after September 16, 2012: The priority claim must be presented in an Application Data Sheet (ADS). This is specified in…
Read MoreHow do I file a foreign priority claim in a U.S. patent application?
To file a foreign priority claim in a U.S. patent application, you must: File the claim within the specified time limit (see previous FAQ for details). Present the claim in an application data sheet (ADS) for applications filed on or after September 16, 2012. For applications filed before this date, the claim can be in…
Read MoreHow do I request copies of patent assignment records?
To request copies of patent assignment records, follow these steps: For records after May 1, 1957: Contact the USPTO and pay the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.19. For records before May 1, 1957: Contact the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) directly. For recent records: Check the USPTO website for online availability. When…
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