Should patent attorneys or examiners be concerned about ‘[Reserved]’ sections like MPEP 212?

Patent attorneys and examiners generally do not need to be concerned about ‘[Reserved]’ sections like MPEP 212. These sections contain no substantive information and do not affect current patent examination procedures. However, it’s good practice to stay informed about MPEP updates in case reserved sections are filled with new content in the future.

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What is the significance of the ‘[R-]’ notation after MPEP 212 [Reserved]?

The ‘[R-]’ notation after ‘MPEP 212 [Reserved]’ typically indicates that this section has been revised. However, in this case, since the section is reserved and empty, the ‘[R-]’ may be a placeholder for future revision dates. When a substantive revision occurs, a date is usually added after the ‘R’, such as ‘[R-10.2019]’ to indicate an…

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How should priority papers be marked to ensure proper correlation with U.S. applications?

To ensure proper correlation between priority papers and U.S. applications, the MPEP suggests: “It is suggested that a notation of the application number of the corresponding U.S. application be placed on the priority papers when such papers are not submitted via a priority document exchange program. Such notation should be placed directly on the priority…

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Can the inventorship in a continuation or continuation-in-part application differ from the parent application?

Yes, the inventorship in a continuation or continuation-in-part (CIP) application can differ from the parent application, but there are specific requirements: 1. For continuation applications: The inventorship must include at least one inventor named in the prior-filed application. 2. For CIP applications: The inventorship can change more significantly due to the addition of new matter.…

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