What is the process for delivering requested patent files to examiners?
The process for delivering requested patent files to examiners involves several steps, as outlined in MPEP 711.04(b):
- Files Repository personnel regularly perform a FOS print transaction to produce a list of accepted requests.
- The printed record of each request is detached from the list when its associated file is found.
- The printed record is stapled to the file.
- Periodic deliveries of files are made to the offices of their requestors by Files Repository personnel.
- Files that are ready to be returned to the repository are picked up during these deliveries.
The MPEP notes: “For applications stored in IFW, this process is not necessary.” This is because IFW applications are stored and accessed electronically.
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