Should applicants file preliminary amendments with their patent applications?

The USPTO generally advises against filing preliminary amendments with patent applications. According to MPEP 1121: “Applicants should not file any preliminary amendment with the application. Submitting applications without any accompanying preliminary amendment reduces the processing required of the Office, and will help to ensure that patent application publications are printed correctly.” Instead of filing preliminary…

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What happens if both an application data sheet and a preliminary amendment are submitted for a PCT national phase application?

When both an application data sheet (ADS) and a preliminary amendment are submitted for a PCT national phase application, the following rules apply: If the ADS and preliminary amendment are filed at different times, the later filed document will govern. As stated in the MPEP: If applicant submits both an application data sheet and a…

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How is a change in inventor’s residence handled in patent applications?

Changes in an inventor’s residence are not automatically updated in patent applications. The MPEP 719.02 states: Unless specifically requested by applicant, the residence(s) associated with the inventor(s) will not be changed. For example, if a new oath gives a different residence from the original, the file will not be changed. To update the residence information,…

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