Patent Law FAQ
This FAQ answers all your questions about patent law, patent procedure, and the patent examination process.
MPEP 103-Right of Public To Inspect Patent Files and Some Application Files (1)
The Image File Wrapper (IFW) system is an electronic system used by the USPTO to store and process patent application files. Key points about the IFW system and its impact on public access include:
- Paper components of application files are scanned to create electronic image files
- For IFW applications, the electronic file is the Official file
- No access is granted to original paper documents used to create the IFW file
- Processing and examination are conducted using electronic images
- IFW files for patented applications, published applications, or applications referenced in published documents are accessible through Patent Center on the USPTO website
- All patent applications filed after June 30, 2003, have been scanned into the IFW system
The IFW system has made it easier for the public to access eligible patent application files online through Patent Center, eliminating the need to physically inspect paper files in many cases.
MPEP 2300 – Interference And Derivation Proceedings (1)
According to MPEP 2307.02, any request for access to or copies of Office records directly related to a contested case must adhere to the following requirements:
- The request must be filed with the Board.
- It must precisely identify the records being requested.
- For copies, the appropriate fee set under 37 CFR 1.19(b) must be included.
As stated in the MPEP: “Any request from a party for access to or copies of Office records directly related to a contested case must be filed with the Board. The request must precisely identify the records and in the case of copies include the appropriate fee set under § 1.19(b) of this title.”
To learn more:
Patent Law (2)
The Image File Wrapper (IFW) system is an electronic system used by the USPTO to store and process patent application files. Key points about the IFW system and its impact on public access include:
- Paper components of application files are scanned to create electronic image files
- For IFW applications, the electronic file is the Official file
- No access is granted to original paper documents used to create the IFW file
- Processing and examination are conducted using electronic images
- IFW files for patented applications, published applications, or applications referenced in published documents are accessible through Patent Center on the USPTO website
- All patent applications filed after June 30, 2003, have been scanned into the IFW system
The IFW system has made it easier for the public to access eligible patent application files online through Patent Center, eliminating the need to physically inspect paper files in many cases.
According to MPEP 2307.02, any request for access to or copies of Office records directly related to a contested case must adhere to the following requirements:
- The request must be filed with the Board.
- It must precisely identify the records being requested.
- For copies, the appropriate fee set under 37 CFR 1.19(b) must be included.
As stated in the MPEP: “Any request from a party for access to or copies of Office records directly related to a contested case must be filed with the Board. The request must precisely identify the records and in the case of copies include the appropriate fee set under § 1.19(b) of this title.”
To learn more:
Patent Procedure (2)
The Image File Wrapper (IFW) system is an electronic system used by the USPTO to store and process patent application files. Key points about the IFW system and its impact on public access include:
- Paper components of application files are scanned to create electronic image files
- For IFW applications, the electronic file is the Official file
- No access is granted to original paper documents used to create the IFW file
- Processing and examination are conducted using electronic images
- IFW files for patented applications, published applications, or applications referenced in published documents are accessible through Patent Center on the USPTO website
- All patent applications filed after June 30, 2003, have been scanned into the IFW system
The IFW system has made it easier for the public to access eligible patent application files online through Patent Center, eliminating the need to physically inspect paper files in many cases.
According to MPEP 2307.02, any request for access to or copies of Office records directly related to a contested case must adhere to the following requirements:
- The request must be filed with the Board.
- It must precisely identify the records being requested.
- For copies, the appropriate fee set under 37 CFR 1.19(b) must be included.
As stated in the MPEP: “Any request from a party for access to or copies of Office records directly related to a contested case must be filed with the Board. The request must precisely identify the records and in the case of copies include the appropriate fee set under § 1.19(b) of this title.”
To learn more: