Patent Law FAQ

If there’s an error in the preprinted prior application data, the following steps should be taken:

1. If the error is in the Patent Data Portal database, it can be corrected by technical support staff of the Technology Center.
2. After the data is corrected, a new bib-data sheet should be printed and scanned into the file.
3. If the error was made by the applicant, the examiner should require correction via a corrected or supplemental application data sheet or an amendment, as appropriate.
4. In some cases, a petition for an unintentionally delayed benefit claim may also be required.

The MPEP states: “Should there be an error in the preprinted prior application data, the correction or entry of the data in the Patent Data Portal data base can be made by technical support staff of the Technology Center, if appropriate. Upon entry of the data, a new bib-data sheet should be printed and scanned into the file. If the error was an applicant error, the examiner should require correction via a corrected or supplemental application data sheet or an amendment, as appropriate.” (MPEP 202)