What are the requirements for read-only optical discs used for patent application submissions?
Read-only optical discs used for patent application submissions must meet specific requirements as outlined in 37 CFR 1.52(e):
- Must be finalized and in conformance with ISO 9660 standard
- Must be either CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-R, or DVD+R
- Must be compatible with PC or Mac computers and MS-DOS, MS-Windows, Mac OS, or Unix/Linux operating systems
- Files must be in ASCII plain text format or XML format (for Sequence Listing XML)
- Must be submitted in duplicate for “Large Tables” and “Computer Program Listing Appendix”
- Must be labeled with specific information, including inventor name, application number, and creation date
- Must be accompanied by a transmittal letter with required information
The MPEP states, “Read-only optical discs submitted to the Office will not be returned to the applicant and may not be retained as part of the patent application file.”
These requirements ensure proper handling and processing of data submitted on read-only optical discs in patent applications.
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