How does the USPTO treat conditional assignments?

The USPTO treats conditional assignments as absolute assignments for Office purposes. According to 37 CFR 3.56: “Assignments which are made conditional on the performance of certain acts or events, such as the payment of money or other condition subsequent, if recorded in the Office, are regarded as absolute assignments for Office purposes until canceled with…

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What happens to conditional assignments at the USPTO?

What happens to conditional assignments at the USPTO? Conditional assignments are treated differently by the USPTO’s Assignment Division. The MPEP 317 states: “Conditional assignments are returned to the sender by the Assignment Division.” This means that if an assignment includes conditions that must be met before it becomes effective, the USPTO will not record it.…

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Can the USPTO determine if conditions in a conditional assignment have been fulfilled?

No, the USPTO does not determine whether conditions in a conditional assignment have been fulfilled. According to 37 CFR 3.56: “The Office does not determine whether such conditions have been fulfilled.” The USPTO treats the submission of a conditional assignment for recordation as an indication that the condition has been met. This policy simplifies the…

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