How does the Director of International Patent Legal Administration handle issues with international preliminary examination?
The Director of International Patent Legal Administration plays a crucial role in addressing issues related to international preliminary examination. Their responsibilities include:
- Deciding petitions to review the holding of lack of unity of invention in international applications
- Deciding petitions to review the refusal to enter the national stage in international applications
MPEP 1002.02(p) states: “The Director of International Patent Legal Administration decides petitions to review the holding of lack of unity of invention in international applications and decides petitions to review the refusal to enter the national stage in international applications.”
These decisions are important for applicants who disagree with unity of invention determinations or face issues entering the national stage of their international applications.
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