How is the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) involved in plant patent examinations?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plays a role in plant patent examinations through its Agricultural Research Service (ARS). According to MPEP 1610: “The Office action may include so much of any report of the ARS as the examiner deems necessary, or may embody no part of it. In the event of an interview, the…
Read MoreWhat types of information can the Department of Agriculture provide for plant patent applications?
The Department of Agriculture can provide various types of information and assistance for plant patent applications. According to 35 U.S.C. 164 and Executive Order No. 5464, the Secretary of Agriculture may: Furnish available information from the Department of Agriculture Conduct research on special problems through appropriate bureaus or divisions Detail officers and employees to assist…
Read MoreWhat is the significance of the ARS report in plant patent examinations?
The report provided by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) plays an important advisory role in the examination of plant patent applications. According to MPEP 1609: “As the report is merely advisory to the Office, it is placed in the file but is not given a paper number. The copy of the report is customarily utilized…
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