What information do I need to check a patent’s maintenance fee status online?

To check a patent’s maintenance fee status online, you need two pieces of information: The patent number The corresponding application number The MPEP states: “Maintenance fee status information for a patent of interest can be obtained over the internet by entering the patent number and the corresponding application number in the appropriate spaces on the…

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How should unpublished U.S. patent applications be cited in an Information Disclosure Statement?

When citing unpublished U.S. patent applications in an Information Disclosure Statement (IDS), you must include: The U.S. patent application publication number The applicant The filing date If available, the U.S. patent application publication date The patent application number The MPEP 609.04(a) states: Each U.S. application listed in an information disclosure statement must be identified by…

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What should I do if I don’t have the application number when executing an assignment?

If you don’t have the application number when executing an assignment, you can use specific language to allow for its later insertion. MPEP 302.03 suggests the following approach: “It is suggested, however, that an assignment be written to allow entry of the identifying number after the execution of the assignment. An example of acceptable wording…

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What is a filing receipt and what information does it contain?

A filing receipt is an official document issued by the USPTO that contains important information about a patent application. According to MPEP 503, the filing receipt includes: Application number Filing date Confirmation number Suggested U.S. Patent Classification class Art unit where the application is likely to be examined Continuing data (if applicable) National stage data…

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What is a confirmation number and why is it important?

A confirmation number is a four-digit number assigned by the USPTO to each newly filed patent application. According to MPEP 503, the confirmation number serves several important purposes: It is used in combination with the application number to verify the accuracy of the application number on correspondence filed with the Office. It helps avoid misidentification…

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