What are the requirements for submitting an assignment document electronically to the USPTO?
To submit an assignment document electronically to the USPTO, the following requirements must be met: The document must be submitted via the Electronic Patent Assignment System (EPAS) An identified application or patent number must be included One cover sheet must be completed online to record a single transaction The signature on the cover sheet must…
Read MoreWhat is the Departmental Register and Secret Register for patent assignments?
The USPTO maintains two special registers for recording certain government interests in patents and patent applications, as outlined in 37 CFR 3.58: Departmental Register: This register records governmental interests required by Executive Order 9424. It is not open to public inspection but can be examined by authorized government representatives. However, governmental interests recorded on this…
Read MoreWhat happens if an electronically submitted assignment document is not recordable?
If an assignment document submitted electronically through the Electronic Patent Assignment System (EPAS) is determined to be not recordable, the following process occurs: The entire document, along with its associated cover sheet, will be returned to the sender. An Office “Notice of Non-Recordation” will be transmitted back to the sender via fax, if possible. The…
Read MoreWhat is the process for recording a name change with the USPTO for patent matters?
While the MPEP section provided does not specifically address name changes, the process for recording a name change for patent matters with the USPTO is similar to recording other documents affecting title. Here are the general steps: Prepare a document evidencing the name change (e.g., a certificate of name change or merger document) Complete a…
Read MoreHow should an assignment document be prepared for recording with the USPTO?
When preparing an assignment document for recording with the USPTO, follow these guidelines based on 37 CFR 3.24 and MPEP 302.01: For electronic submissions: Submit either a copy of the original document or an extract of it Ensure the document is in Tagged Image File Format (TIFF) or another prescribed format When printed, the document…
Read MoreWhat is the fee for recording a patent assignment with the USPTO?
The fee for recording a patent assignment with the USPTO depends on the method of submission: For electronic submissions through the Electronic Patent Assignment System (EPAS), the fee is currently $0, as stated in 37 CFR 1.21(h)(1). For non-electronic submissions (e.g., mail or fax), the fee is set forth in 37 CFR 1.21(h)(2). It’s important…
Read MoreWhat documents can be recorded with the USPTO related to patent assignments?
According to 37 CFR 3.11, the following documents can be recorded with the USPTO related to patent assignments: Assignments of applications, patents, and registrations Other documents relating to interests in patent applications and patents Documents affecting title to applications, patents, or registrations Licenses, assignments, or other interests of the Government in or under patents or…
Read MoreWhat happens if an assignment document is not a copy when submitted for recording?
What happens if an assignment document is not a copy when submitted for recording? If an assignment document submitted for recording is not a copy, it will not be accepted for recording. The MPEP clearly states: The Assignment Division will not accept an original assignment document because it becomes part of the USPTO permanent records.…
Read MoreWhat are the consequences of submitting a poor-quality copy of an assignment document to the USPTO?
What are the consequences of submitting a poor-quality copy of an assignment document to the USPTO? Submitting a poor-quality copy of an assignment document to the USPTO can lead to rejection of the recording request. The MPEP 302.01 clearly states that “Only copies of an original assignment document (with the exception of those submitted via…
Read MoreCan electronic copies of assignment documents be submitted for recording?
Can electronic copies of assignment documents be submitted for recording? Yes, electronic copies of assignment documents can be submitted for recording at the USPTO. The MPEP 302.01 states: Any legible copies, including facsimile transmissions and computer generated copies, of original assignment documents will be acceptable for recording. This means you can submit: Scanned copies of…
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