What matters are typically submitted to Technology Center Directors?

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.

Technology Center Directors handle various matters related to patent examination and procedures. According to MPEP 1003, some key matters include:

• Certain requests for certificates of correction
• Return of papers entered in the file wrapper
• Specific rejections on double patenting
• Requests for patentability reports
• Actions holding claims unpatentable on grounds applicable to corresponding patent claims
• Interferences between applications not in condition for allowance
• Letters requesting jurisdiction from the Patent Trial and Appeal Board
• Protests filed against issuance of a patent

The MPEP states: “All unusual questions of practice may be referred to the Technology Center Directors.”