What is a “written assurance” in the context of patent deposits?

A “written assurance” in the context of patent deposits is a statement provided by the applicant indicating that an acceptable deposit will be made. The MPEP 2411.03 mentions:

“[I]n the event that an application for patent is otherwise in condition for allowance except for a required deposit and the Office has received a written assurance that an acceptable deposit will be made, the Office may notify the applicant in a notice of allowability…”

This written assurance allows the USPTO to proceed with the allowance process while giving the applicant time to make the actual deposit. It’s an important step in the patent application process for inventions involving biological materials.

To learn more:

• Patent deposits
• Written assurance
• Biological material
• USPTO procedures