What information is needed to access assignment records for unpublished patent applications?
Accessing assignment records for unpublished patent applications requires specific authorization or a showing of legitimate interest. According to MPEP 301.01, for applications that are not open to the public: Information related thereto is only obtainable upon a proper showing of written authority. For applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, the written authority must…
Read MoreHow are assignment records for reissue applications handled?
Assignment records for reissue applications are treated differently from regular patent applications due to their public nature. According to MPEP 301.01: Assignment records relating to reissue applications are open to public inspection because reissue applications are open to public inspection pursuant to 37 CFR 1.11(b). This means that once a reissue application is filed, its…
Read MoreCan partial access be granted to an assignment document?
The USPTO does not grant partial access to assignment documents. According to MPEP 301.01: The Office will not open only certain parts of an assignment document to public inspection. If such a document contains two or more items, any one of which, if alone, would be open to such inspection, then the entire document will…
Read MoreWhat is the process for obtaining pre-1957 patent assignment records?
Obtaining patent assignment records from before May 1, 1957, involves a different process than accessing more recent records. According to MPEP 301.01: All records of assignments of patents recorded before May 1, 1957, are maintained by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). The records are open to public inspection. Certified and uncertified copies of…
Read MoreHow are assignment records for related patent applications handled?
The handling of assignment records for related patent applications, such as divisional, continuation, or continuation-in-part applications, is addressed in MPEP 301.01. The key point is: If the application on which a patent was granted is a division, continuation, or continuation-in-part of an earlier application, the assignment records of that earlier application will be open to…
Read MoreHow do I record an assignment document with the USPTO?
To record an assignment document with the USPTO, you must: Submit a copy of the original assignment document Include a completed cover sheet (Form PTO-1595 or equivalent) Pay the required recording fee The cover sheet must contain key information like the names of the parties, description of the interest conveyed, and patent/application numbers affected. As…
Read MoreWhat are the fees for recording a patent assignment?
The fees for recording a patent assignment depend on the submission method: Electronic submission via EPAS (Electronic Patent Assignment System): $0 Paper or facsimile submission: See current fee schedule As stated in MPEP 302.06: “If the request to record a document is submitted electronically, the fee is set forth in 37 CFR 1.21(h)(1), currently at…
Read MoreCan I submit a patent assignment electronically?
Yes, you can submit a patent assignment electronically through the USPTO’s Electronic Patent Assignment System (EPAS). This is the recommended method for several reasons: It’s free – there is no recordation fee for electronic submissions It’s fast – documents are processed more quickly It’s convenient – you can submit 24/7 from anywhere with internet access…
Read MoreHow do I record a joint research agreement?
To record a joint research agreement (JRA) with the USPTO, follow these steps: Prepare the JRA document or an excerpt of it Complete a cover sheet, clearly identifying the document as a “joint research agreement” Submit the document and cover sheet to the USPTO As stated in MPEP 302.07: “If the document submitted for recordation…
Read MoreHow do I record a government interest in a patent?
Recording a government interest in a patent requires special procedures: Prepare the document establishing the government interest Complete a patent cover sheet, indicating it relates to a government interest Submit the document and cover sheet to the USPTO As stated in MPEP 302.07: “Cover sheets required by 37 CFR 3.28 seeking to record a governmental…
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