What information is required to order a patented or abandoned file through the File Ordering System (FOS)?

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 order a patented or abandoned file through the File Ordering System (FOS), examiners need to provide the following information:

• Delivery organization (i.e., art unit)
• Employee number
• Patent number(s) and/or application number(s) of the file(s) needed

The MPEP states: To place such an order, the system requires the examiner’s delivery organization (i.e. art unit), employee number, and patent number(s) and/or application number(s) of the file(s) that are needed. This information is necessary for the Files Repository to process and fulfill the request accurately.