How are Certificates of Correction published and made available to the public?

The USPTO has implemented an electronic publication process for Certificates of Correction. Here’s how they are published and made available:

1. Certificates of Correction are electronically published on the USPTO website at www.uspto.gov/CertificatesOfCorrection.
2. They are subsequently listed in the Official Gazette approximately three weeks later.
3. On the date of electronic publication:
   • The certificate is entered into the file history and becomes publicly available.
   • A printed copy is mailed to the patentee or patent assignee.
   • An image of the printed certificate is added to the patent database at patft.uspto.gov/.

The MPEP states, “The date on which the USPTO makes the certificate of correction available to the public (e.g., by adding the certificate of correction to the file history after signature) will be regarded as the date of issuance of the certificate of correction, not the date of the certificate of correction appearing in the Official Gazette.“

To learn more:

• Certificate of Correction
• USPTO Publication
• Official Gazette
• Patent Database