What is the process for correcting errors in an examiner’s time and activity report?

The USPTO has a specific process for correcting errors in an examiner’s time and activity report. According to MPEP 1705, the process involves the following steps:

1. If an examiner notices missing or incorrect information on their report, they should promptly notify their supervisory patent examiner (SPE).
2. The SPE will report the necessary changes and corrections directly into the integrated examination tools.
3. These changes will be dynamically listed on the examiner’s individual time and activity report.

For corrections at the end of a quarter or fiscal year, the MPEP states:

“If any information is missing from the last examiner’s individual time and activity report at the end of a quarter (except at the end of a fiscal year) or is incorrect, the examiner should promptly notify their SPE and/or their TC troubleshooter. The troubleshooter will make the appropriate changes directly into the integrated examination tools.”

It’s crucial to ensure all reports are correct at the end of the fiscal year, as this affects the examiner’s performance evaluation.

To learn more:

• Time and Activity Report
• Error Correction
• USPTO
• Patent Examination