What is the role of Supervisory Patent Examiners in handling requests for certificates of correction?
Supervisory Patent Examiners play a crucial role in handling requests for certificates of correction, particularly when the errors are not minor, clerical, or typographical. The MPEP states:
“Requests for a certificate of correction submitted under 37 CFR 1.322 or 1.323 unless the error is clearly minor, clerical or typographical, in which case it is handled by the Certificates of Correction Branch.”
Additionally, Supervisory Patent Examiners are responsible for:
“Requests for a certificate of correction to correct a claim even if the request is submitted under 37 CFR 1.322, MPEP § 1480.”
This means that Supervisory Patent Examiners handle more complex correction requests, especially those involving claims, ensuring that any changes are properly evaluated and do not substantively alter the scope of the patent.
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